RT Journal Article
T1 Training Characteristics and Competitive Demands in Women Road Cyclists: A Systematic Review
A1 Herrero-Molleda, Alba
A1 Álvarez-Álvarez, María José
A1 Floría, Pablo
A1 García-López, Juan
K1 Road cycling
K1 Female
K1 Strength training
K1 Altitude training
K1 Endurance training
K1 CIRFD - Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo
AB Purpose: To identify the main training characteristics and competitive demands in women’s road cycling. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on 5 databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis) guidelines. The articles had to be primary studies, written after 1990 with a sample of competitive women between the ages of 15 and 50. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Oxford Levels of Evidence scales were used. Results: The search yielded 1713 articles, of which 20 were included. Studies on training and competitive demands (n = 5) found that both external and internal loads are higher in women than in men. Studies on strength and endurance training (n = 5) showed that both velocity-based and heavy-load strength training programs performed at least 2 days per week and including 3 to 4 lowerbody exercises improved performance. Altitude-training studies (n = 3) found that “Live High–Train Low” was effective to increase performance during the first 9 days after the training camp. The 7 remaining studies focused on a range of topics. The methodological quality was strong for 12 studies and moderate for 8. In contrast, the level of evidence was high in 7 and low in the other 13. Conclusions: Endurance training and competitive demands in women’s road cycling are higher than those of men. Strength training is effective in women when the frequency, intensity, and number of exercises are appropriate, while altitude training should be completed a few days before competing. Further studies are warranted to better define the participants’ competitive level, using a methodological design with a higher level of evidence.
PB Human Kinetics
SN 1555-0265
YR 2023
FD 2023-06-27
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10433/16339
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10433/16339
LA en
NO International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
NO Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo
DS RIO
RD May 24, 2026