Leider nichts gefunden!

From body fat to power output: anatomy of a Tour de France rider   

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Over the course of this year’s Tour de France, each pro cyclist will ride 3,328km – roughly the distance from London, England, to Tbilisi, in Georgia – complete half a million pedal revolutions, and ooze 150 litres of sweat – enough to fill a bath tub.

In order to complete this extraordinary challenge, Tour riders need extraordinary bodies. And thanks to the growth in sports science data and fitness trackers, we are now able to see exactly how superhuman Tour de France riders really are…

BODY WEIGHT: 60-66KG

Pro cyclists often have very different physiques, from muscular sprinters to spoke-thin climbers. But scientific research suggests that the all-round riders who need to climb for the general classification title typically weigh 60-66kg – a huge 20kg lighter than the average man in the UK (83.6kg). They also boast a Body Mass Index (BMI) – a measure of a person’s ideal weight in relation to their height – of 19-20, which straddles the border between ‘healthy’ and ‘underweight’. The most recent winner of the Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia, weighs just 66kg.

HEART RATE: 42BPM

Data from wearable fitness experts Whoop has revealed that Tour de France riders have an average resting heart rate of just 42 beats per minute (bpm). According to the American Heart Association, 60-100bpm is considered normal, so Tour riders have a significantly lower resting heart rate than the rest of us. Thanks to years of fitness training, their hearts are so fantastically efficient that they can beat 20-60 times per minute less often than the hearts of other people, in order to pump enough oxygen around their bodies.

BODY FAT: 5%

Pro riders usually start the Tour with just 5% body fat. That’s much lower than the norm of 18-24% for an average man, or 25-31% for an average woman. But staying slim helps them to blast up mountains at a faster pace.

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

POWER OUTPUT: 300 WATTS

During a normal stage of the Tour de France, pro riders can pump out around 230-250 watts on average, which equates to burning about 900 calories per hour. But on some of the harder stages they can average over 300 watts, or 1,100 calories per hour. Tadej Pogačar has a Functional Threshold Power – an estimate of the power he can sustain for around one hour – of around 415 watts. But for explosive one-hour attacks on big climbs, some Tour riders have been known to exceed an average of 500 watts. And in the final stages of a sprint finish, sprinters can hit maximal efforts of over 1,500 watts.

POWER TO WEIGHT: 6 WATTS PER KILOGRAM

As the Tour de France is a mountainous event, a rider’s maximum power output in relation to their bodyweight is a crucial factor. This is known as their power-to-weight ratio. Most top pro riders have a power to weight ratio of 6 watts per kilogram for a one-hour effort, whereas an amateur rider may have a ratio of 3 watts per kilogram, and a recreational rider may have a rate of 1.8 watts per kilogram. With a physique constructed of more lean muscle and less body fat than the rest of us, pro riders can be over three times more effective than recreational riders.

MAXIMUM HEART RATE: 1 HOUR 25 MINUTES

Data from Whoop has revealed that on stage eight of the 2020 Tour de France pro riders spent around 51% of the time at 80-90% of their maximum heart rate, and 38% of the stage in the 90-100% max heart rate zone. That means they endured 1 hour and 25 minutes of all-out suffering. Not all stages are that hard, but it’s a sign of how tough things are when riders are locked in an epic battle on the roads of France.

TIME TRIAL: 403 WATTS

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Analysis of a Tour de France time trial by SRM suggests elite riders can sustain over 403 watts for a 40-minute time trial effort. This is made possible by sustaining a cadence of 94rpm and maintaining an average heart rate of 149bpm. It means top riders can keep up a speed of over 45kph without any drafting support whatsoever.

VO2 MAX: 70-80 mL/kg/min

Scientific research has confirmed that Tour pros have a VO2 max (a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilise during exercise, which is often used as a marker for physical fitness) of 70-80 mL/kg/min. To put that into perspective, an average male aged 30-39 would have a VO2 max of 35-40, and an average woman would register 27-31. So pro cyclists are literally 2-3 times fitter than the rest of us.  

Das könnte Dich außerdem interessieren

Don't miss any tipps, news or special offers!

Thank you for registering for the newsletter. Please confirm your e-mail address to receive the newsletter.

Five key points of Chris Froome's physiological data

Noted American physiologist Andrew Coggan examines the Tour de France winner's data

What makes two-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome such an exceptional cyclist?  Cyclingnews looks at five key points from his recently released physiological tests and what they results can and cannot tell us about the Team Sky rider's performances.

Chris Froome: You can win the biggest bike races in the world clean

Froome’s physiological testing insufficient, says Grappe

Boardman praises Froome's decision to publish data, calls on others to follow suit

Chris Froome interview: Fame, feuds and haters

Swart defends Froome’s physiological testing, more data to be released in 2016

After out-climbing his rivals on stage 10 of the Tour de France to La Pierre-Saint-Martin in a spectacular fashion, Froome came under intense suspicion by critics who found his performance unnatural.

In an attempt to silence the doubters, Froome underwent strenuous physiological tests several weeks after the Tour, and recently released the data to the public. But the information published in Esquire magazine only served to raise more questions about the missing pieces.

FDJ performance director Frederic Grappe told Cyclingnews that Froome shows the exceptional physiology of a Grand Tour winner, and that his VO2max was comparable between 2007 and this year.

Cyclingnews spoke to Dr Andrew Coggan, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine and co-author of Training and Racing with a Power Meter, who took a deeper look at the data and what it shows about Froome's physiology.

A strong heart

The body needs to be able to get oxygen to the exercising muscles to keep them putting out power. That oxygen is carried by hemoglobin molecules on red blood cells, which are pumped by the heart through the arteries to the legs. Once there, the oxygen is used to create energy for the muscles to use to pedal the bike. So there are several factors at play: the amount of hemoglobin, heart rate and the amount of blood that moves with each beat of the heart, or stroke volume.

Froome has a rather low heart rate. In his test at GSK, his heart rate at the top effort level tested - 425 watts - was only 138bpm. Froome's maximum heart rate has been reported to be 174, although the researchers did not note the maximum in their report. Froome's hemoglobin was reported to be 15.3g/100mL in samples taken on July 13 during the 2015 Tour de France and on August 20, the day after his physiological test at GSK.

With that in mind, Coggan noted that Froome's heart rate was on the low side "both during submaximal exercise and (reportedly) at maximal exercise", and that means he must have a high stroke volume.

"Even with a hemoglobin of 15.3 g/100 mL at rest ... this implies that he has a very high stroke volume. Specifically, assuming a maximal heart of 174 beats/min ... I estimate his maximal cardiac to be 32.8-36.9 L/min, making his stroke volume at maximal exercise to be 188-212 mL/beat. This is quite high, but not beyond the upper limit of what might be considered normal," Coggan wrote.

Coggan, an accomplished masters cyclist, said his stroke volume at maximum effort was 175mL/beat at Froome's age.

"I don't find the difference in heart rate at particular power between these test results and his actual race data surprising, due to the lag in heart rate during an incremental exercise test, cardiac drift in competition, day-to-day variability, etc."

Power to weight

Froome's scrawny arms and sinewy legs during the Tour de France are a good indication that he has very little body fat, and there is no question that losing a lot of body fat and maintaining or even gaining a little lean mass would be good for performance.

When going uphill, it is power to weight ratio that is important, and since Froome's power outputs have stayed relatively consistent, decreasing his weight has been the key to improving performance.

Plenty of riders have tried to shed weight only to find they can't maintain the same kind of power, but Coggan noted, "while it can be difficult to lose only fat and not lean tissue when reducing body mass, it is certainly not impossible, especially when the weight loss is gradual and dieting is combined with strenuous exercise."

Readers may be surprised at the body fat percentage given for Froome in August - 9.8%. But Coggan explained that the researchers used "the gold standard" for measuring body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

"The accuracy depends in part upon the precise algorithms used to convert the raw data to body composition, which can differ from one brand to another, and even from one version of the software to another when using the same brand of scanner," Coggan said. "Still, that 9.8% means he was almost certainly somewhere between 8 and 12% at the time of the tests."

His 2007 value was given at 16.7%, but comparing it with this year's data is apples and oranges, Coggan said, because we do not know how they measured his body fat. Regardless, "His lean body mass didn't appear to change much, which is somewhat reassuring."

Missing information

A rider's performance is the combination of VO2Max and efficiency, but the GSK study did not include the measure of oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange or respiratory exchange ratio (RER), which gives an indication of efficiency.

Grappe had the same criticism of the study, noting that this "impacts upon the level of effort on climbs; you don’t produce the same number of watts with 23% efficiency as with 21%."

Coggan agreed. The study gave Froome's VO2Max, it gave its power. But when Froome is cruising along below his maximum effort, Coggan said he'd need to know the RER to understand how much of Froome's maximal aerobic capacity he was using at a given power output.

"That would have made it possible to estimate his what percentage of VO2max he sustained on certain climbs when racing. As it stands, we don't know he achieved the reported power outputs (which comport with climbing speeds) due to a high fractional utilization of VO2max, a high efficiency, or some combination thereof."

In other words, is Froome really efficient, very good at riding at his maximum, or both?

Lactate threshold

Coggan noted that the GSK lab stopped its measurements short of pushing Froome to total fatigue, which resulted in underestimating his lactate threshold. The highest wattage in the test, 425W, was a perceived effort level of 17 out of 20 for Froome, and his heart rate had only reached 138bpm.

Had Froome kept going at higher watts, his heart rate would have caught up with his effort level and his body would have begun producing more lactate than it could get rid of, leading to fatigue. In Coggan's opinion, that would have connected the dots and given a more accurate result in their calculation using the Dmax method.

"The GSK lab terminated the test at 425W, rather than continuing it all the way to fatigue. The highest lactate value of 4.37 mmol/L is therefore lower than if they had done so. I don't consider it a major issue. It is possible that they only applied the Dmax method retrospectively, i.e., to try to show by using multiple methods that they aren't "spinning" the data," he said.

Incomplete information from 2007

The testing done on Froome in Lausanne in July 2007 only showed his peak power and VO2Max, so Coggan says comparing the data to 2015 is difficult.

"It is unfortunate that the UCI tests in 2007 apparently didn't entail any sort of submaximal assessment, just measurement of VO2max and peak power. That makes it impossible to say how much, if any, of the improvement in Froome's performance over the intervening period is due to an increase in threshold relative to VO2max and/or an improvement in efficiency," in addition to his weight loss.

"Assuming the data presented is correct, I would say that his performance (at least uphill) definitely improved due to simply losing weight, and might have also improved due to an improvement in lactate threshold and possibly also efficiency. The former is more likely than the latter but since his threshold apparently wasn't measured in 2007 and his efficiency has never been measured, it's also possible that they didn't improve at all."

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Laura Weislo

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura's specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.

Rod Ellingworth appointed Tour of Britain race director in first post-Ineos role

Awe-inspiring TTT footage at Paris-Nice leads to possible drone footage for Tour de France

Lauren Stephens aims for US Pro ITT success to secure spot at Olympic Games

Most Popular

By Jackie Tyson March 11, 2024

By Lukas Knöfler March 11, 2024

By James Moultrie March 10, 2024

By Lyne Lamoureux March 10, 2024

By Stephen Farrand March 10, 2024

By Lyne Lamoureux March 09, 2024

By Stephen Farrand March 09, 2024

By James Moultrie March 09, 2024

Bicycle 2 Work

Miguel Indurain’s Heart Rate (Revealed)

By: Author Martin Williams

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.--

Five times winner of the Tour de France Miguel Indurain has long been talked about as a super athlete, one whose general bodily abilities are so vastly different from the norm. But how fast was his resting heart rate?

Miguel Indurain had a resting heart rate once measured as low as 28 beats per minute. In conversation, he revealed that this was the lowest reading, and the more typical range was between 30 and 32 beats per minute.

This is in pretty stark contrast to the average resting heart rate for an adult male which tends to sit somewhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

In this post, I’ll look at:

  • What exactly was Miguel Indurain’s resting heart rate
  • What he said about his resting heart rate
  • The world record for the lowest recorded human heart rate
  • The heart rates of other prominent cyclists
  • Some other key stats of his fitness regime
  • His VO2 max levels
  • The physiology of Indurain’s heart (as recorded in tests carried out on him)
  • His training regime
  • Indurain’s top tips for cycling success

Miguel Indurain heart rate

Miguel Indurain Heart Rate

The peak of Miguel Indurain’s career was between 1991 and 1995. He was at this point between 26 and 31 years of age, and it was during this period that he won his five Tour de France titles.

During this period, his resting heart rate was somewhere between 28 and 32 beats per minute.

This is one of the lowest heart rates ever recorded.

What Miguel Indurain Said About His Heart Rate

In an interview with cyclist.co.uk, Miguel Indurain said about his heart rate, ‘Normally I had a resting heart rate of 30 or 32bpm. The coaches used to measure it in the morning and in the afternoon to see if I was recovering. One day we did a medical test and it read 28, so there is some truth in it. But normally it was a little bit higher.’ ( Source )

Miguel Indurain comes across as modest in all the interviews he does these days, and likes to play down the stories of his low heart rate. However, whether his heart rate was closer to 28 or 32, either figure is staggering and so different from the expected norm.

What Is The World Record For The Lowest Recorded Heart Rate

Miguel Indurain has only been slightly pipped for this title!

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the lowest-ever recorded resting heart rate is 27 beats per minute. That was recorded by Martin Brady in the UK. ( Source )

His heart rate was measured at the Guernsey Chest and Heart Unit on the Channel Islands, on 11th August 2005.

Martin Brady was 35 years old at the time.

There has also been a physical trainer in the UK, Daniel Green, who was recorded as having a resting heart rate of just 26 beats per minute. However, this was over a shorter time frame, and he did not sustain this heart rate for longer than a minute (as did Martin Brady).

The Resting Heart Beats Of Other Prominent Cyclists

Miguel Indurain is not alone in the cycling world in having a heart rate dramatically lower than the norm. Some other notable cyclists with low heart rates include:

Chris Froome

Four times Tour de France winner Chris Froome allowed himself to be put through a series of grueling physiological tests to prove that he had no involvement in doping.

During these tests, they found that at one point his resting heart rate dropped as low as 29 beats per minute. ( Source )

Chris Boardman

Boardman was one of the main guys when I was young. He was an Olympic gold medallist, and also was famous for training in an oxygen tent.

Sometimes he would cycle up to 8 hours per day in his brutal training regime.

His views on the heart-rate issue are very interesting. He thinks that physiology does play some part in success in cycling. However, he believes even more important is the desire of a cyclist.

In an interview, he said, ‘If you want it enough and apply yourself the right way, I think you can get to podium level on just sheer tenacity and desire. ‘

Bradley Wiggins

2012 Tour de France winner and Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, had a resting heart rate of 40 beats per minute when measured in his heyday.

Lance Armstrong

I was a bit skeptical about putting Lance Armstrong into this post, because of all the controversy surrounding him and doping. But, for the record, his resting heart rate was between 32 and 34 beats per minute in the prime of his career.

Please bear in mind, though, that he has been confirmed to have been taking performance-enhancing drugs throughout this period.

To see a longer article I wrote about all the Tour de France winners that have been stripped of their titles, then click here.

Prominent Cyclists’ Heart Rates

Here is a table of the heart rates of the prominent cyclist listed in a table:

Miguel Indurain’s Key Fitness Stats

Miguel Indurain was the subject of detailed physiological testing, and it was found that he had a range of fitness abilities that vastly defied all norms.

He was tested by the University of Ferrara ( Source ), and some of the findings including:

Amount Of Oxygen In His Blood

Indurain’s blood was able to carry 1.85 gallons (7 liters) of oxygen through his blood all around his body in one minute. That is in contrast to the average person that will be able to transport around 1 gallon (3-4 liters).

Cardiac Output

Cardiac output is the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart in one minute. Indurain’s cardiac output was 13 gallons per minute (50 liters), in contrast to an average person being around 5 gallons (20 liters).

This is possibly the stat that sets him out furthest from the norm.

Lung Capacity

Indurain had a lung capacity of about 2 gallons (7.8 liters ), which compares with about 1.5 gallons (6 liters ) of an average person.

A person’s VO2 max is their ability to convert the oxygen in their blood into energy and is a key metric of fitness. ( Source )

Indurain’s VO2 max was 88ml/kg/min. This is more than double the average male adult which would be around 40ml/kg/km.

Here are Indurain’s key stats in a table:

Tested At 46

In 2012, which was more than a decade after his retirement, Indurain went through further physical tests.

At this point, he was 46 years old. Though heavier, and not subject to such a full-on training regime, he still displayed cardio and lung abilities that were favorable to most other professional cyclists of the time.

Miguel Indurain Training Regime

Miguel Indurain’s training regime was built on a philosophy of building himself up throughout his training window, and reaching a crescendo of fitness at the right time, which was for him the Tour de France every July.

To summarize, he would go through periods of the year, which approximately were:

August – November: These would be his rest months. He would either not cycle, or would only engage in light cycling.

December 1st – This is when he began his training every season.

December – March : He would focus on long-distance endurance cycling. He would be building up his stamina and his muscle endurance. His focus would be anaerobic training. He could cycle for as long as 8 hours a day, but he would be focussed on steady flat cycling.

April – June: He would be integrated lots of climbing and speed interval training into his regime. He would be reaching a peak in time for the Tour.

July – Tour de France

This training regime is built on a steady foundation of endurance in the winter months. He built on this with a wider range of training techniques in spring and summer.

This approach he didn’t peak too soon. He also never plateaued. Long-distance cycling experts say that if you train in the same way throughout the year, you are in danger of reaching a 70% to 80% level of fitness and just plateauing at that level.

Indurain made sure he was building and moving forward throughout the year. ( Source )

Other tips for success from Miguel Indurain

In 2012, Miguel Indurain wrote an article about his top tips for success in training for endurance cycling. In a nutshell, some of the most important tips include:

Focus on climbing

Some of these tips are really good common sense without being rocket science.

One of the most important is to focus on climbing. Indurain believed that the Tour was won and lost on the climbs, and this is feature of long races that really divides the peloton.

However, not many cyclist actually practice this element of the race as much as they should.

His message was simple – you need to really focus on climbing, and practice climbing as much as possible, to set yourself apart.

Good Climbing Technique

When climbing, it’s important to keep your posture, form and good technique. This is what helps you stay aerodynamic, and helps you conserve and maximize energy.

Stay In Your Saddle

Although many of us will naturally come out of the saddle when climbing, Indurain thinks this is a mistake. He believes you should stay in the saddle almost always. This is to help conserve the maximum possible energy.

The only time he would come out of the saddle was during periods of intense sprinting, such as during the last straight of a race.

Cadence Between 70 And 80rpm

Cadence is the speed of rotation of the pedals . He believed you should always keep this relatively high, and similar – at about 70 to 80 revolutions per minute.

This means going up hills at a very low resistance, but keeping pedal momentum in the down slopes also.

Improve Your Power To Weight Ratio

It is famous how Indurain lost a lot of weight in his early days, and this transitioned him into the formidable cyclist he became.

The power-to-weight ratio is quite simply your cycling power divided by your body weight. This determines the speed at which you cycle.

To go faster, therefore, you must either:

  • Lose weight
  • Or generate more power

Losing weight is generally the easier out of these two, and so Indurain advocates losing as much body fat as possible.

Weight Training For Power

He also advocates weight training of the lower body to provide additional power.

If you want to learn more about Miguel Indurain, then here is a video profile of the great man and his career:

OU Sport & Fitness Team Blog

Commentary from the open university sport and fitness team.

OU Sport & Fitness Team Blog

Bernal’s ‘amazing engine’: how do endurance athletes’ hearts differ?

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Many will remember the 2019 Tour de France for its premature finish caused by hailstorms and landslides, rather than the incredible achievements of the endurance athletes. To complete the 21 stages spanning 3,480 kilometres is an extraordinary feat – but what is it about these athletes that allows them to do it? The physiology of a Tour de France rider has been examined in depth by scientists (e.g. Santalla and colleagues in 2012 ), but in this short article we will be focusing on just one aspect, the heart.

The heart of the matter

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

We can make such statements because, on examination, as the athlete trains their hearts get bigger and stronger meaning they can pump more blood per beat. Indeed, athletes often have a larger than usual left ventricle , developed through conditioning the body to be as efficient as possible. Referring to these adaptations to training, Bradley Wiggins was described as have a heart ‘ like a bucket ’ after his 2012 Tour victory.

Because of this increased efficiency, and the trained heart’s ability to pump more blood per beat, a key indicator of an endurance athlete’s heart efficiency is their resting heart rate. Where an average adult’s resting heart rate might be between 60-90 beats per minute (bpm), a Tour de France cyclist can have readings of lower than 40 bpm . Physiological tests carried out on Chris Froome by Team Sky to quash doping allegations after his Tour successes, showed that his resting heart rate dropped as low as 29 bpm .

Cycling is not the only sport that produces these super athletes. Biathlon, combining cross country skiing with precision target shooting, is widely recognised as one of the most challenging winter endurance events. Indeed, the two activities seem unlikely partners with one requiring strength, speed and endurance and the other requiring concentration and a steady hand (while your heart is still thumping from the exertion!).

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

And for those of us who are not elite endurance athletes?

Comfortingly for us mere mortals, and important knowledge for those working in the sport and fitness industry, regular exercise (not necessarily long-distance cycling!) improves heart health and increases cardiac output. This enables us to reduce our resting heart rates and for our bodies to become more efficient, even if not to the extreme levels of the athletes discussed above. So instead of sitting at your desk during your lunch break take a brisk walk, opt for the stairs, and park a few hundred metres further from the supermarket entrance, as these small changes can all improve your heart and most importantly your health.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings
  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List

Logo of plosone

Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists on the Tour de France circuit

Anna barrero.

1 M2S Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France

2 CIC-CIT INSERM UMR 1099, Rennes, France

Frédéric Schnell

3 University of Rennes 1, Department of Sports Medicine University Hospital of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI-UMR1099, Rennes, France

Guy Carrault

Gaelle kervio, david matelot, françois carré, solène le douairon lahaye, associated data.

All relevant data are within the manuscript.

This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response.

Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day’s stage. Pre-Tour baseline HRV recordings were made, as well as during the four weeks following completion of the Tour. Exercise daily load was assessed using the training impulse score (TRIMPS). Post-exercise rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed daily using the Borg CR-10 scale.

The results show a HRV imbalance, increase of sympathetic and decrease of vagal activities respectively, along the event that correlated with rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.46), training impulse score (r = 0.60), and kilometers (r = 046). The greatest change in HRV balance was observed the days after the greatest relative physical load. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability values returned to their baseline values one week after completion of the event.

Conclusions

Despite incomplete recovery from day-to-day, fatigue is not summative or augmented with each successive stage and its physical load. Just one week is sufficient to restore baseline values. Heart rate and HRV can be used as a tool to strategically plan the effort of female cyclists that participate in multi-stage events.

Introduction

Intensive endurance training is very demanding for the human organism and its regulatory systems [ 1 ]. Among them, cardiovascular control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) presents alterations varying with the training versus recovery balance. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents sinus node modulation by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS [ 2 ]. HRV analysis is validated as a noninvasive method to study individual functional adaptations occurring to a given training stimulus in athletes [ 1 , 3 ].

HRV analysis is proposed as a valuable tool to study the athlete’s training versus recovery equilibrium and to detect early overreaching state that can decrease the athlete’s performance level [ 2 , 3 ]. To our knowledge, most studies performed on this topic have focused on male athletes or mixed populations, and very few have studied female athletes. This omission is significant because the neural control of circulation differs with sex, especially before menopause [ 4 ]. HRV markers of sympathetic activity response after an orthostatic challenge test have been reported to be higher in male than in female athletes presented with a similar training load [ 5 ].

Moreover, HRV analysis in athletes has been focused mainly on the changes observed after acute post-exercise or throughout a training season in order to prevent fatigue and overtraining [ 1 , 6 – 8 ]. HRV parameters changes induced by repeated days of endurance exercise have been scarcely studied, and only in male athletes [ 9 ]. Yet, it seems that the daily monitoring of HRV throughout a multi-day sporting event would be of interest for coaches to anticipate fatigue and to guide the athlete for his best final performance.

Therefore, the two objectives of this study were to describe a comprehensive characterization of resting heart rate (HR) and HRV changes in well-trained female cyclists during and following a multi-stage cycling event, and to propose an adapted method to follow fatigue and recovery in these athletes throughout this kind of sports event. We hypothesized that cyclists performing a Tour de France would incur a substantial HR increase and HRV decrease at rest along the days which would be worsened throughout the stages.

Materials and methods

Ten healthy and well-trained (regional or national level) female cyclists coming from 4 countries (Belgium, France, Spain, Ukraine) completed the 21 stages of the men’s 2017 Tour de France, but one day before each stage of the official race. The event was performed without competition spirit. The cyclists completed the flat stages as a group, and each performed the time-trial and mountain stages at her own pace.

All participants gave informed written consent to participate in this study, which received the approval of the Rennes University Hospital Ethics Committee (Number 2013-A01524-41) and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Pre-participation medical evaluation

All athletes had a medical examination before the event, including a physical exam, a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), a transthoracic echocardiogram, and an incremental maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Excalibur Sport, Lode, The Netherlands). The exercise protocol started with a warm-up period (100 W for 5 min and 150 W for 1 min) followed by a step load-increase of 25 W/min until exhaustion. None of the athletes ingested any contraceptive and their menstrual cycle was not controlled.

Description of the cycling event

The cycling event consisted of 21 stages and two rest days ( Table 1 ). Due to the length of the stages, cyclists fed and hydrated continuously on the bike, according their needs. So individual food and fluid intake could not be controlled nor recorded during the stage nor between stages.

Baseline HRV values were established from the average of four days before the first stage. HRV was monitored each day during the event and on the first day following completion of the Tour, then once per week during the four weeks post-Tour. Cyclists refrained from any intense efforts during both the pre- and post-Tour periods.

Recording RR samples

The RR interval samples were recorded with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz with a HR monitor (Polar V800, Kempele, Finland) [ 10 , 11 ]. Recordings were performed right after the cyclist woke up in the morning following an overnight fast, in a quiet, semi-darkened room, temperature range of 22–25°C. [ 2 ]. The RR samples were collected during two successive 7- minute periods, in supine and standing positions [ 1 ]. All athletes were familiarized with the monitor use.

HRV analysis

The RR data recorded was downloaded via Polar FlowSync software for Mac version 2.6.4 (Polar, Kempele, Finland) and exported for analysis with the Kubios HRV Standard software v3.0.0 2 (Biosignal Analysis and Medical Imaging Group at the Department of Applied Physics, Kuopio, Finland) [ 10 ]. For the analysis, the last 5 minutes window for each position was used. All the ectopic beats were filtered with the artifact correction option of the software. A very low threshold was applied when needed. Both time and frequency domain analyses were performed [ 1 ]. The root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD), which reflects HR vagal modulation, was calculated. The high (HF:0.15–0.40 Hz) and low (LF:0.04–0.15Hz) frequency domains were analyzed. The HF band reflects vagal modulation while the LF band indicates both sympathetic and parasympathetic influences []. RMSSD, HFnu, LFnu (normal units) absolute values and their difference between supine and standing positions were calculated. The normalized (or normalized unit) spectral indices are defined by the developers of the Kubios HRV Standard software v3.0.0 2 as HFnu = HF / (LF + HF) and LFnu = LF / (LF + HF) (Biosignal Analysis and Medical Imaging Group at the Department of Applied Physics, Kuopio, Finland) in accordance with the recommendations [ 2 ].

Load of exercise analysis

Each individual exercise daily load was calculated using the training impulse score (TRIMPS) method [ 12 ]. HR and GPS data were monitored continuously during each stage with the HR monitor. HR was divided into five zones, i.e. 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90% and 90–100% of the individual maximal HR. Work load quantification was derived from the duration spent within the five HR zones [ 12 ].

Rate of perceived exertion

The individual rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated with the Borg CR-10 scale [ 13 ] within 30 minutes after the end of each stage.

Statistical analysis

Data are presented as mean ± SD. All analyses were performed using SPSS v.21 for Mac and STATISTICA v.7.1 for Windows. Normal Gaussian distribution of the data was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis of variance for repeated measurements was used. A Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to identify where the differences lie. In addition to the day-to-day effects on HR and HRV, the Tour was divided into 3 periods: period 1 (stages 1–9), period 2 (stages 10–15) and period 3 (stages 16–21), with rest days following stages 9 and 15.

Pearson’s product moment coefficient was calculated to assess the relationships among RPE, TRIMPS, the mileage of the stages, and the HR and HRV parameters. Significance was set at P <0.05.

All cyclists successfully finished the Tour de France.

Table 2 shows the demographic characteristics and the result of the cardiopulmonary exercise test of the subjects.

V ˙ O 2 max: maximal oxygen uptake, BMI: body mass index, SD: Standard deviation

HR, HRV, and workload values are presented for each stage (including resting days) of the cycling event in Table 3 ; and for each period in Table 4 .

Data are presented as mean (±SD)

HR: heart rate, TRIMP: training impulse, RPE: rate of perceived exertion, n.u.: normalized units, bpm: beats per minute.

To avoid making the table too complicated the significant differences of the relevant parameters are illustrated in Figs ​ Figs1 1 and ​ and2 2 .

Data are presented as mean (SD). Period 1: from stage 1 until stage 9 included, period 2 from stage 10 until stage 15 included, period 3 from stage 16 until stage 21 included.

In order to see the evolution of the subjects along the cycling event, Fig 1 presents HR, HRV, and workload values for each stage (including resting days).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is pone.0213472.g001.jpg

Data are presented as mean group values. Absolute HR values different from baseline value* ( P < 0.05); different from previous stage # ( P < 0.05). HR standing- HR supine values different from baseline value $ ( P < 0.05). When reading the differences, note that all the values were recorded on the morning of each stage, which reflects the load effect of the previous stage. HR: heart rate; RMSSD: root mean square of successive differences; HF: high frequency; LF: low frequency; ms: milliseconds, n.u.: normalized units; TT: time trial; FT: flat stage; MM: medium mountain stage; HM: high mountain stage; Post: post-cycling event period.

To have a greater vision of the subjects’ evolution, Fig 2 illustrates HR and HRV parameters by periods.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is pone.0213472.g002.jpg

Data are presented as mean group values for each period. Period 1: from stage 1 until stage 9 inclusive, period 2 from stage 10 until stage 15 inclusive, period 3 from stage 16 until stage 21 inclusive. Post: post-Tour period. Statistical differences: Different from baseline * ( P < 0.05); different from the previous period # ( P < 0.05). Standing-supine values different from baseline $ ( P < 0.05); different from previous period £ ( P < 0.05). HR: heart rate; RMSSD: root mean square of the successive differences; HF: high frequency; LF: low frequency; ms: milliseconds; n.u.: normalized units; TRIMPS: training impulse.

Heart rate evolution

Supine HR during period 1 increased in comparison with its basal value after stage 2 (flat). This increase persisted until stage 9 with no difference among the stages. During period 2, HR increased after the first medium mountain stage (12 th stage) and then decreased to its basal value. During period 3, HR was higher than its basal value only after the 17 th (high-mountain) and 19 th (flat) stages. For each of the three periods the global supine HR was higher than the basal value. HR was higher during period 1 than during periods 2 and 3, but no difference was observed between periods 2 and 3. The HR value returned to its basal values after each rest day and during the recovery period.

The standing HR values presented no difference during the cycling event, except after stage 2 ( Fig 1 ). No differences were observed among the three periods. Positive correlations were observed between supine HR and the distance of the stage (r = 0.46, P = 0.037), TRIMPS (r = 0.60, P = 0.004), and RPE (r = 0.46, P = 0.038). The higher the workload, the higher supine HR was after a recovery night.

HFnu and LFnu evolution

Supine HFnu was decreased compared to its basal value from stage 2 until the first rest day, after which it went back to the basal value ( Fig 1 ). Then, the HFnu value decreased from the 19 th stage and returned to its basal value after the 21 st stage. Lastly, the HFnu value was very close to its basal value after one week of recovery. As expected, LFnu mirrored the evolution of HFnu, with an increase of LFnu in compared to basal and recovery values. The changes in daily LFnu were more frequently different than the HFnu ones and overall LFnu was higher than HFnu during the entire cycling event. The opposite was observed only before the event start and during the recovery. No differences were observed between mean supine HFnu and LFnu values by period ( Fig 2 ). The daily standing-supine differences for HFnu and LFnu were lower than their basal values during the entire Tour, except after the second rest day. No differences were observed after one week of recovery ( Fig 1 ). The mean period analysis of standing-supine difference of these parameters showed the same significant differences as the daily values compared to baseline during all three periods, except for the second rest day ( Fig 2 ). The standing HFnu values were lower and LFnu values were higher than supine, with no variation during the cycling event (Figs ​ (Figs1 1 and ​ and2 2 ).

RMSSD evolution

The supine RMSSD global evolution showed the same trend as HFnu, even though more stages showed RMSSD declines ( Fig 1 ). The same was observed with the periods analysis, with a more marked RMSSD decrease during all the periods in comparison to the basal and recovery periods ( Fig 2 ). No significant variation was noted for the standing RMSSD.

The daily RMSSD standing-supine difference was lower than the basal value during the whole cycling period, except after the second rest day and after one week of recovery ( Fig 2 ). There was a significant correlation between supine RMSSD and distance of the stages (r = -0.45, P = 0.0001). The mean period analysis of RMSSD standing-supine show a reduction compared to baseline but with no differences among periods ( Fig 2 ).

Rate of perceived exertion evolution

There was a more marked decrease after the first rest day than after the second one ( Table 3 ). The RPE evolution was positively related to TRIMPS (r = 0.61, P = 0.003) and to the distance of the stages (r = 0.91, P = 0.0001).

To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the day-to-day resting HR and HRV responses in well-trained female cyclists during a multi-stage cycling event. We observed variable responses of HR and HRV parameters in relation to the distance of the stage throughout the Tour which partially confirms our hypothesis. The difference between standing and supine HR and HRV has a practical application for monitoring fatigue in a female cyclist.

Evolution of HR and HRV indices during the cycling event

As proposed, we studied the HR standing/supine difference and HRV indices responses to the orthostatic stress that reflects the adaptation of the sinus node [ 1 ]. Because significant changes concerned mainly resting values with no change for standing values (Figs ​ (Figs1 1 and ​ and2), 2 ), the discussion will concern resting HRV indices. Globally we observed an inversion of the ratio LFnu/HFnu with a value higher than 1 throughout the event, except for one value after the second rest day, in comparison to a LFnu/HFnu lower than 1 during the pre-race and post-race periods. During the first period (stages 1–9) of the event, both HR and HRV changes show a biphasic pattern. Indeed, in comparison to the basal value, period 1 showed three parts. No change was observed after stages 1 and 2, then after stages 3 to 5 a statistically significant decrease of HR response was noted. Concerning HRV indices, we observed a significant increase in the LFnu/HFnu ratio explained by a significant increase in sympathetic (LFnu) input associated with a significant decrease in parasympathetic (HFnu) input. Lastly, in stages 6 to 9 there was a less marked decrease of HR associated with a progressive increase in HFnu and a decrease in LFnu (Figs ​ (Figs1 1 and ​ and2). 2 ). The decrease of HR standing/supine difference observed during stages 3 to 9 was due to both an increase of resting HR and a decrease of standing HR. Throughout the second and third periods the HR as HRV responses to orthostatic stress were attenuated, with similar changes as seen during stages 6–9. The decrease of HR responses during these two periods was due to a lesser increase in standing HR than during the basal period, with fewer changes in supine HR. It must be noted that despite a very low level of mean TRIMPS during the last two stages of the Tour (20–21), 124 au and 276 au, respectively, we observed a marked decrease of HR response to orthostatic stress due to a low increase in HR and a marked increase in LFnu/HFnu when standing. This discrepancy between TRIMPS and HR response could be interpreted as a fatigue sign.

The biphasic response observed during period 1 was not linked to a workload difference (mean TRIMPS 1205 au and 1397 au, respectively, for stages 3–5 and 6–9; NS). The HR and HRV response we observed could be explained by the change in the cardiac preload reported after a few days of intense training, due to delayed hormonal responses [ 14 , 15 ]. A similar biphasic response observed in left ventricular function has been reported after a four-day simulated multi-stage cycling [ 16 ]. The higher workload recorded during the first period compared to the second and third periods could explain the differences observed in HR and HRV responses.

The beneficial effect of a rest day for the responses to orthostatic stress appears clearly in Figs ​ Figs1 1 and ​ and2, 2 , for one day as well as during the recovery period post-Tour. Concerning the effects of the rest days proposed during the race, to our knowledge only one study investigated the effects on HRV indices of rest days (days 10 and 17) during the Vuelta a España performed by male cyclists. Similar to the present study, no difference was observed between rest days and pre-race HRV indices [ 9 ]. Our results show that after one week of post-race recovery, all HR parameters and HRV indices were similar to the pre-event basal values.

Supine RMSSD values, another parasympathetic parameter, mimics the globally responses of HFnu (Figs ​ (Figs1 1 and ​ and2). 2 ). After the two hardest stages of the event (HM stages 9 and 12, with 181 and 214 km), an acute decrease of supine and standing RMSSD values was observed ( Fig 1 ).

To summarize, in comparison to the basal value, the day-to-day HR and HRV responses to an orthostatic active test vary with the duration of the cycling event. The temporary marked alterations of HR responses and of autonomic balance (LFnu/HFnu) observed during the first stages do not seem to be due to a real fatigue state but to acute stress stimuli (subjects not used to these distances). During the next stages both a stable and modest decrease of HR responses and an increase of LFnu/HFnu were observed. We did not observe a pattern of fatigue accumulation with the repetition of stages. However, at the end of the event (two last stages) marked alteration of the parameters studied was again observed. These results are in accordance with the most common ‘fatigue’ pattern described in athletes during intensive training [ 17 ]. This is confirmed by the quick and complete recovery after one week. Another observation is that supine HR response correlated with the distance of the stages, TRIMPS, and RPE.

Practical applications from the study

Several studies, reviews, and meta-analyses are in favor of the value of the HRV follow-up in male and female athletes to guide their training to prevent overreaching and overtraining [ 1 , 3 , 18 , 19 ]. Our study corroborates that HRV is a useful non-invasive tool that can help to program training and identify fatigue in endurance cyclists. From a practical point of view, the results of this study can help to propose the more useful validated parameters for a daily practice during a multistage cycling event. Globally, given their lack of sensitivity the contribution of the isolated variations of the HR and HRV standing parameters used in this study appear as the less contributive (Figs ​ (Figs1 1 and ​ and2). 2 ). Concerning the HR survey, the difference between standing and supine HR after an active orthostatic test showed a good value and the variations of resting supine HR appear as a very simple tool. Concerning the HRV parameters, the use of two indices (RMSSD and HFnu) reflecting the response of the sinus node to the parasympathetic stimuli does not seem useful. The association of the two spectral indices LFnu and HFnu in supine position appears to be the most informative.

Limitations of the study

This study presents some limitations. First, the number of athletes studied was small. This limitation was mainly due to the specific and heavy daily logistic associated with this project that was not an official competition. Second, the cycling event was not a competitive one and our results need to be confirmed in competition because of the specific somatic stress linked to competition. Third, the daily recovery included only one night’s rest without a scientific adapted nutrition or massage session. A more scientific recovery might alter the observed results.

The characterization of the HRV response during the entire Tour de France adds new information concerning the fluctuating sympathovagal response of an ultra-endurance event. Despite incomplete recovery, the extent of cardiac suppression with each successive stage, and its physical load, is not summative or augmented. Just one week is enough to restore baseline values. These results suggest that well-trained female cyclists need only one week to recover from an effort such as the Tour de France circuit.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the enthusiastic participation of the subjects in this study and the generous technical support of Johan Cassirame and Armel Cretual. We also thank Dave Tanner for his help in English proofreading.

Funding Statement

Research was supported by the Brittany Council. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Data Availability

Whoop reveals pro riders’ sleep data from last year’s Tour de France - and they’re not getting a full 8 hours

The wearable band producer has undertaken a sleep study based on cyclists competing in the Tour de France & Tour de France Femmes

  • Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

EF Education rider wearing Whoop band

Fitness and health tracking brand Whoop has revealed the findings of its sleep study based on male and female professional cyclists competing in the 2022 editions of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The study investigates how the cyclists’ sleep and recovery changed over the course of several consecutive days of maximum intensity exercise. 

What’s interesting is that this study is claimed to be the first of its kind to continuously follow elite professionals in a Grand Tour setting. 

Eight male professional cyclists and nine females participated in the study, wearing the fourth iteration of Whoop’s wearable band that monitors key health metrics, including heart rate, Resting Heart Rate (RHR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) , and Respiratory Rate (RR).

Whoop’s 4.0 band captured recovery metrics throughout the 2022 Grand Tours that are primarily related to night-time sleep data, with the aim of the study being to understand the effect of different stage types, such as flat, hilly or mountainous courses, on various recovery metrics.

The study is titled “The night-time sleep and autonomic activity of male and female professional road cyclists competing in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes” and can be read in full here . It was undertaken by Whoop in collaboration with CQU in Australia.

It’s worth noting that the study is a preprint which appears on medRxiv, and has not been peer-reviewed. The preprint server for Health Sciences which is operated by the research and educational institution Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reports new medical research that has yet to be evaluated and it states itself that its content “should not be used to guide clinical practice”. That being said, it’s a useful hub for seeing the very latest developments.

But let’s get back to the specifics of this study. Firstly, data was collected for seven days to record each rider’s baseline levels before the event. Then, the riders wore Whoop’s band for the full duration of the competition.

Here are the results:

Baseline versus during the event - men 

  • Total sleep time at night: 7.2 ± 0.3 h vs 7.2 ± 0.1 h
  • Sleep efficiency (i.e., total sleep time as a percentage of time in bed): 87.0 ± 4.4 % vs 86.4 ± 1.2 %
  • Resting heart rate: 41.8 ± 4.5 beats·min-1  vs 44.5 ± 1.2
  • Heart rate variability during sleep: 108.7 ± 17.0 ms vs  99.1 ± 4.2 ms

Baseline versus during the event - women

  • Total sleep time at night: 7.7 ± 0.3 h vs 7.5 ± 0.3 h
  • Sleep efficiency: 88.8 ± 2.6 % vs 89.6 ± 1.2 %
  • Resting heart rate: 45.8 ± 4.9 beats·min-1 vs 50.2 ± 2.0 beats·min-1
  • Heart rate variability during sleep: 119.8 ± 26.4 ms vs 114.3 ± 11.2 ms

For the male professional cyclists, heart rate variability during sleep was lowest after mountain stages, which showed that the stage type did make a difference to recovery. 

For female professional cyclists this was also evident in that the percentage of light sleep in a sleep period (i.e., lower-quality sleep) was highest after mountain stages.

“Some aspects of recovery were compromised in cyclists after the most demanding days of racing, i.e., mountain stages,” it’s concluded in the study.

“Overall, however, the cyclists obtained a reasonable amount of good-quality sleep while competing in these highly demanding endurance events.

“This study demonstrates that it is now feasible to assess recovery metrics in professional athletes during multiple-day endurance events using validated fitness trackers.”

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

I’ve been hooked on bikes ever since the age of 12 and my first lap of the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in the bright yellow kit of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers. For a time, my cycling life centred around racing road and track. 

But that’s since broadened to include multiday two-wheeled, one-sleeping-bag adventures over whatever terrain I happen to meet - with a two-week bikepacking trip from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia being just the latest.

I still enjoy lining up on a start line, though, racing the British Gravel Championships and finding myself on the podium at the enduro-style gravel event, Gritfest in 2022.

Height: 177cm

Weight: 60–63kg

James Shrubsall goes in search of coaching advice for his bucket list mega-ride attempt

By James Shrubsall Published 15 March 24

Brand sees e-bikes as ‘key opportunity’ for growth in 2024 and beyond

By Tom Thewlis Published 15 March 24

Useful links

  • Tour de France
  • Giro d'Italia
  • Vuelta a España

Buyer's Guides

  • Best road bikes
  • Best gravel bikes
  • Best smart turbo trainers
  • Best cycling computers
  • Editor's Choice
  • Bike Reviews
  • Component Reviews
  • Clothing Reviews
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

How checking resting heart rate can help cyclists train better

  • November 20, 2017

resting heart rate cyclists

Tracking your resting heart rate can provide crucial guidance to how your body is reacting to additional training. It will also indicate whether you are resting enough.

By Barry Monaghan

BarryMonaghan.com , Performance Matters

These days there are any number of tools and devices to measure training; providing feedback on speed, distance, heart rate and power among many other key indicators.

Some of the newer GPS devices will even give a recommendation for how much recovery you need after a workout based on your averages for a session.

TrainingPeaks software uses a TSS (training stress score) which is a great indicator of the difficulty of the session based on your threshold. All of these devices and software are fantastic.

But there is another very simple, accurate measurement of your recovery after sessions that costs nothing and takes exactly 1 minute per day; less if you’re really lazy! You should measure your resting heart rate first thing every day.

Remember the heart is a muscle like any other and the more aerobic training you do – as long as it’s measured and progressive – your heart grows stronger and more efficient.

By the way; strength training also has a very positive impact on the heart, as does keeping your general activity levels up.

There are four chambers in the heart, with the two bottom chambers called ventricles. It is the left ventricle that pumps the blood out. High-level endurance athletes will often have a very large left ventricle.

As you train the heart muscle increases in size leading to a stronger contraction and more oxygen-rich blood being pumped out per beat – this is called stroke volume.

As you get fitter your body’s ability to utilise this blood improves. The heart becomes more efficient.

A normal resting heart rate for an average person is 72 beats per minute. But for a very fit endurance athlete figures of 40 or below are quite common.

Put simply, the heart has to work less to keep all your systems working effectively when it is strong and developed.

Okay, that’s the science bit over. So how does taking you resting heart rate work and how will it help?

When you wake first thing in the morning take your pulse at either the wrist (radial artery) or at the neck (carotid artery).

Take it for 60 secs and record the number.

If you went to bed with your heart rate monitor on (get a life) you will get an automatic score.  So what does it mean?

A heart rate that is elevated 7-10 beats higher than normal may indicate that you have not recovered from your previous session and it may be wise to take an easier days training.

If heart rate is within 2-3 beats of your normal measurement, training at a good level that day should be ok.

Recording the number is very important because after a few weeks of data you will start to see trends emerging in your heart rate.

After a race or hard weekends training it will often be elevated.

A consistently higher than normal heart rate could indicate that you are heading into overtraining territory and a complete week of no training is recommended.

A decrease in resting heart rate over a period of time could indicate your fitness is beginning to improve and you are heading in the right direction – this is particularly noticeable in newcomers to training.

When you are at your best you will often see great consistency with your resting heart rate even with some heavy training or competition.

In short, this is a simple no cost fantastic tool to monitor adaption to training load and avoid fatigue and overtraining.

Remember the old saying: “Listen to your body”. Use this tool and become a wiser athlete.

Related Posts

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

TV report Shay Elliott’s Tour de France stage win 60 years ago today | Video

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Ever thought of taking a new approach to racing or sportives in a new season?

tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

Recovery | 8 tips from a sports doctor to get your best sleep ever

BRIEF RESEARCH REPORT article

Daily cardiac autonomic responses during the tour de france in a male professional cyclist.

Nicolas Bourdillon

  • 1 Institute of Sport Sciences (ISSUL), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
  • 2 COFIDIS Pro Cycling Team, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
  • 3 National Centre of Nordic-Ski, Research and Performance, Premanon, France

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a common means of monitoring responses to training, yet in professional cycling, one may question its usefulness, particularly during multi-day competitions such as Grand Tours.

Objectives: This study aims to report and analyze HRV responses in a male professional cyclist over a season, including the Tour de France.

Methods: A professional cyclist recorded resting and exercise inter-beat intervals during 5 months, comprising a training period with two altitude sojourns and two competition blocks, including the Tour de France. Resting recordings lasted 5 min in the supine position and were used for computation of mean heart rate (HR), root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSDs), and power in the low- and high-frequency bands (LF and HF, respectively). Training load quantification was based on recorded HR during exercise and expressed as training impulses (TRIMPSs).

Results: LF (3,319 ± 2,819 vs. 1,097 ± 1,657 ms 2 ), HF (3,590 ± 1858 vs. 1,267 ± 1,683 ms 2 ), and RMSSD (96 ± 26 vs. 46 ± 30 ms) were higher and HR (47 ± 4 vs. 54 ± 2 bpm) was lower during the training period when compared to the two competition blocks. The coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly lower during the training period than during the two competition blocks for RMSSD (26 vs. 72%), LF (85 vs. 160%), and HF (58 vs. 141%).

Discussion: The present study confirms that monitoring daily HRV responses during training periods is valuable in professional cycling, but questions its usefulness during the Tour de France. Moreover, the previous suggestion that CV in RMSSD would help to predict poor performance was not confirmed in a professional cyclist.

Introduction

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a means of assessing the impact of training sessions on athletes’ homeostasis that is commonly used in endurance sports ( Manzi et al., 2009 ; Plews et al., 2012 ; Schmitt et al., 2021 ). It allows us to determine whether there is an autonomic misbalance ( Schmitt et al., 2015 ) and whether an athlete is at risk of functional, non-functional overreaching, or overtraining syndrome ( Meeusen et al., 2013 ).

Previous studies evidenced that monitoring HRV during training resulted in performance improvements because the training load could be adapted on a daily basis to what the athletes could bear ( Schmitt et al., 2018 ). Moreover, it was previously proposed that the analysis of the day-to-day variation in HRV parameters would be valuable for diagnosing non-functional overreaching ( Plews et al., 2012 ). However, its usefulness during multi-day competitions, such as during professional cycling Grand Tours, remains unclear.

In professional cycling, the 3-week Tour de France is the most prestigious event and is highly challenging for human homeostasis ( Lucia et al., 2003 ). Yet, studies analysing HRV responses during competitions in professional cycling are scarce ( Earnest et al., 2004 ). Even though a coach cannot manipulate the load during competition, these data are paramount to better understanding the impact of professional competition on athletes’ homeostasis and helping optimize the recovery periods between competitions.

The present case study aimed to analyze the daily cardiac autonomic responses as well as training loads of a professional cyclist involved in multiple races during the 2020 season, including the Tour de France.

Participant

A top professional cyclist (28 years old, height 173 cm, weight 57 kg; top 10 on the Tour de France and Vuelta España) recorded beat-to-beat heart rate in the supine position for 5 min, resulting in a total of 86 recordings over the 5 months. He gave written informed consent for data recording and utilization in the context of training and research. This project was approved by the Necker Hospital Ethics Committee (Paris, France).

Experimental design

HRV recordings were performed during pre-season preparation (training block from 14 May to 5 August 2020) and competition periods, which consisted of two blocks.

Pre-season training comprised two altitude camps. The first (2 June–16 June) was based on a live-high (LHTL, 2700 m, 16 h/day) train-low (1,150 m) protocol using a normobaric hypoxic chamber, whereas the second camp (14 July–2 August) was performed on a live-high train-high protocol (LHTH, 2000 m) in the mountains.

The competition block #1 spanned from 6 August to 23 August 2020 and included participation in Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge (186 km, 4,100 m elevation gain, 6 August, ranked top 5), Tour de l’Ain (3-stage race, 140, 141, and 145 km, rolling and mountain stages, 7–9 August, ranked top 8), Critérium du Dauphiné (5-stage race, 219, 181, 176, 173, and 154 km, mountain stages, 12–16 August, ranked top 3), and French Championship (238 km, flat, 23 August, ranked top 12).

The competition block #2 consisted of the Tour de France (21-stage race including flat, rolling, mountain, and time-trial stages, 29 August–20 September, ranked top 12).

Heart rate variability

HRV recordings were performed in the supine position after wake-up, while fasting, with an empty bladder, and in a quiet environment ( Bourdillon et al., 2017 ). A heart rate monitor (Polar H10, Kempele, Finland), connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone application (inCORPUS®, v2.4.6, be.care S.A., Renens, Switzerland), was used for RR interval storage.

Out of the 5-min period, the last 4 min were analyzed ( Bourdillon et al., 2017 ). Ectopic beats were compensated to calculate normal-to-normal intervals using visual and automated inspections [MATLAB® (R2019a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA)]. Mean HR, root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSDs), spectral power density in the low-frequency (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz), and high-frequency bands (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz) in ms 2 were computed ( Task Force, 1996 ).

Training/competition load

During training and competition, the athlete wore a heart rate monitor to record the beat-to-beat heart rate. The training load was computed using Banister’s TRIMPS method ( Banister and Calvert, 1980 ).

where HRratio is (HR – HRmin) divided by (HRmax – HR). HRmin was the lowest heart rate found during supine recordings (40 bpm), while HRmax was the highest heart rate found at maximal exercise (198 bpm). TRIMPSs were quantified for each training/competition session and represent the load put on the cardiovascular system. It is a useful and widespread tool.

All data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The normal distribution of the data was checked using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Comparison of means was performed using the student’s t-test; comparison of SDs was performed using the χ 2 test; and comparison of coefficients of variation (CV) was performed using the permutation test. All analyses were performed using MATLAB® (R2019a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA).

HRV parameters and TRIMPS values across the season are presented in Figure 1 . TRIMPSs were significantly higher during the competition periods than during training ( Figure 1A ). Supine HR temporarily increased during training and then continuously and significantly increased during competition ( Figure 1B ). RMSSD and HF ( Figures 1C , D ) were steady during training and significantly decreased during competition, whereas LF progressively increased during training and largely decreased during competition ( Figure 1E ).

www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1 . (A) TRIMPS (au) of training or competition. (B) HR (bpm) in the supine position. (C) RMSSD (ms) in the supine position. (D) HF (ms 2 ) in the supine position. (E) LF (ms 2 ) in the supine position. (F) TRIMPS and LF/HF ratio superimposed. All panels between 14 May and 01 October 2020.

HRV and TRIMPS stage by stage during the Tour de France are reported in Figure 2 . As expected, TRIMPSs were very high except for the recovery days and a few flat stages ( Figure 2A ). Supine HR remained high throughout the competition ( Figure 2B ). RMSSD and HF showed some recovery after resting days and flat stages ( Figures 2C , D ) but were generally low, whereas LF was low throughout the competition ( Figure 2E ).

www.frontiersin.org

Figure 2 . (A) TRIMPS (au) of Tour de France stages. (B) HR (bpm) in the supine position. (C) RMSSD (ms) in the supine position. (D) LF (ms 2 ) in the supine position. (E) HF (ms 2 ) in the supine position. All panelists during the Tour de France 2020 (29 August–20 September 2020). Green dots for flat stages, brown dots for rolling stages, red dots for mountain stages, and grey dots for time trial stage. No dot for resting days. No HRV values indicate that no HRV recording was performed on this day. LHTL, live high-train low-altitude training camp; LHTH, live high-train high-altitude training camp.

CV is reported for each bloc along with TRIMPS and HRV values in Table 1 . CV was lower for HR but higher for RMSSD, LF, and HF during the competitions than during the training period. These results must be put into perspective with the fact that there is a 2-fold decrease in RMSSD, a 4-fold decrease in LF, and a 3-fold decrease in HF in the two competition blocks.

www.frontiersin.org

Table 1 . HRV in the supine position and TRIMPS over the entire period and during competition block #1 and the Tour de France, respectively.

This case study reports HRV values and training loads during an entire season for one of the best professional cyclists, including during competition. First, it confirmed the relationship between training loads and autonomic responses throughout the season. Second, since LF, HF, and RMSSD were low (and HR was high) during competition periods, there were no relationships between the high loads during the multi-day races and the HRV responses. However, the LF/HF ratio increased during the Tour de France, while it remained steady (and slightly above 1) during competition block #1.

HRV during the training period

The present data confirm previous reports in Olympic champions ( Plews et al., 2012 ; Schmitt et al., 2016 ), where HRV was modulated in response to variations in training loads. The strong influence of altitude training camps on HR and HRV was also confirmed. During the second half of July, LF kept increasing, while RMSSD and HF started to decrease, which put the athlete in a situation of sympathetic hypertonia (as seen on Figure 2F with the increase in LF/HF ratio), likely preceding latent fatigue ( Schmitt et al., 2015 ), which was adequately counterbalanced by a recovery period (i.e., a decrease in TRIMPS).

Altered HRV during the competition periods

During competition, there is a 4-fold decrease in LF, a 3-fold decrease in HF, and a 4 bpm increase in HR ( Table 1 ). Such alterations in HRV have been associated with overload and potential decreased performances in athletes ( Schmitt et al., 2015 ). Despite the enormous load during competition periods, this athlete kept performing and finished in the top 12 of the Tour de France, likely moving from a trained status (high LF and HF and low HR) to a functionally overreached status (low LF and HF and high HR). It is likely that if the competition period extends without adequate recovery, it will lead to non-functional overreaching or overtraining syndrome ( Meeusen et al., 2013 ). Accordingly, the LF/HF ratio did not drastically change during competition block #1 and increased during the Tour de France, yet it remained within the range of values observed during pre-season training.

Analysis of the coefficient of variation

On the one hand, the coefficient of variation varied according to previous findings for HR ( Plews et al., 2012 ), showing a significant decrease from the training period to the two competition blocks, while the average HR significantly increased by 7 bpm (14%) from the training period to the Tour de France. On the other hand, the CV significantly increased for RMSSD, LF, and HF, which is contrary to previous reports ( Plews et al., 2012 ). Remarkably, the load was so high during the competition blocks that there was a 2-fold decrease in RMSSD, a 4-fold decrease in LF, and a 3-fold decrease in HF, which mathematically resulted in the significant increases in CV reported in Table 1 . This novel and interesting observation suggests that the CV that was shown to be a valid marker when the average of a parameter does not drastically change from one time point to another ( Plews et al., 2012 ) (i.e., in athletes who do not have competition lasting several weeks) may not be valid when a 2–4-fold decrease occurs. In this latter case, the interpretation of CV is problematic.

Practical implication

In the current study, competition periods corresponded to an increase of 63% in TRIMPS, which resulted in altered HRV, yet the athlete’s performance remained good as he finished as top 3 on the Critérium du Dauphiné and top 12 for his fourth participation in the Tour de France (and best ranking at this time). Although the reported HRV responses during competitions were of interest as a marker of the extreme load induced by multi-stage competitions ( Meeusen et al., 2013 ), one may question the relevance of such daily recordings since there is no possibility for the athlete or the coach to modify the training loads dictated by the stage characteristics (distance and elevation) and the race intensity. The only possible means of adaptation would be to amend the athlete’s participation in the next competition.

Limitations

In this study, recordings in the supine position were only available for practical reasons. In the morning before the races, elite cyclists’ available time is very limited; therefore, adding an orthostatic stressor (e.g., standing position) was too time-consuming and may have had a negative impact on the athlete (they often report a sensation of discomfort during the standing position). Yet, adding an orthostatic stressor would have likely allowed for better capture of the athlete’s response to training and races ( Schmitt et al., 2015 ).

During a multi-stage race such as the Critérium du Dauphiné or the Tour de France, the cyclist sleeps in a new hotel every night. Therefore, it is likely that the changed conditions (e.g., hotel room and temperature) increase the inter-day variability in the HRV responses. In addition, although the cyclist was closely followed by the team nutritionist and the team doctor for hydration and medication, respectively, these factors were not accurately measured. However, we strongly believe that the large 3–4-fold decrease in HRV during competition periods was mainly caused by the extreme loads and only marginally impacted by other factors such as nutrition, hydration, or medication.

This case study reports altered HRV responses during elite cycling competitions. The reported alterations in HRV were compatible with previously characterized fatigue profiles ( Schmitt et al., 2015 ) despite the athlete’s performance remaining his best in competition (best personal performance on the Tour de France), indicating potential functional overreaching but no non-functional overreaching. Several physiological differences have been reported between athletes with functional overreaching or non-functional overreaching (e.g., decrease in peak lactate or maximal cardiac output, change in catecholamines, and alteration in mood and/or self-confidence) ( Le Meur et al., 2013 ; Bellenger et al., 2021 ). The limitations of such measurements daily confirm that HRV follow-up is relevant and one of the most practical means during training periods, but question its clinical usefulness during multi-stage cycling competitions, where complementary recordings as subjective fatigue scales may be more appropriate.

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by Necker Hospital Ethics Committee (Paris, France). The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.

Author contributions

NB and GM designed the study and drafted the manuscript. SB recorded the data. NB and LS analyzed the data. NB prepared the figures. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors warmly thank COFIDIS, the staff, and Guillaume Martin for their enthusiasm in participating in this study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Banister, E. W., and Calvert, T. W. (1980). Planning for future performance: implications for long term training. Can. J. Appl. Sport Sci. J. Can. Sci. Appliquées Au Sport 5, 170–176.

Google Scholar

Bellenger, C. R., Thomson, R. L., Davison, K., Robertson, E. Y., and Buckley, J. D. (2021). The impact of functional overreaching on post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation in runners. Front. Physiol. 11:614765. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.614765

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bourdillon, N., Schmitt, L., Yazdani, S., Vesin, J. M., and Millet, G. P. (2017). Minimal window duration for accurate HRV recording in athletes. Front. Neurosci. 11:456. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00456

Earnest, C. P., Jurca, R., Church, T. S., Chicharro, J. L., Hoyos, J., and Lucia, A. (2004). Relation between physical exertion and heart rate variability characteristics in professional cyclists during the tour of Spain. Br. J. Sports Med. 38, 568–575. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2003.005140

Le Meur, Y., Pichon, A., Schaal, K., Schmitt, L., Louis, J., Gueneron, J., et al. (2013). Evidence of parasympathetic hyperactivity in functionally overreached athletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 45, 2061–2071. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182980125

Lucia, A., Earnest, C., and Arribas, C. (2003). The Tour de France: a physiological review. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 13, 275–283. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0838.2003.00345.x

Manzi, V., Castagna, C., Padua, E., Lombardo, M., D'Ottavio, S., Massaro, M., et al. (2009). Dose-response relationship of autonomic nervous system responses to individualized training impulse in marathon runners. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 296, H1733–H1740. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00054.2009

Meeusen, R., Duclos, M., Foster, C., Fry, A., Gleeson, M., Nieman, D., et al. (2013). Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the overtraining syndrome: joint consensus statement of the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 45, 186–205. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318279a10a

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Plews, D. J., Laursen, P. B., Kilding, A. E., and Buchheit, M. (2012). Heart rate variability in elite triathletes, is variation in variability the key to effective training? A case comparison. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 112, 3729–3741. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2354-4

Schmitt, L., Bouthiaux, S., and Millet, G. P. (2021). Eleven years’ monitoring of the World’s Most successful male biathlete of the last decade. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 16, 900–905. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0148

Schmitt, L., Regnard, J., Auguin, D., and Millet, G. P. (2016). Monitoring training and fatigue with heart rate variability: case study in a swimming Olympic champion. J. Fit Res. 5, 38–45.

Schmitt, L., Regnard, J., Parmentier, A. L., Mauny, F., Mourot, L., Coulmy, N., et al. (2015). Typology of “fatigue” by heart rate variability analysis in elite Nordic-skiers. Int. J. Sports Med. 36, 999–1007. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1548885

Schmitt, L., Willis, S. J., Fardel, A., Coulmy, N., and Millet, G. P. (2018). Live high-train low guided by daily heart rate variability in elite Nordic-skiers. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 118, 419–428. doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3784-9

Task Force (1996). Heart rate variability: Standards of measurement, physiological interpretation, and clinical use. Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the north American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Eur. Heart J. 17, 354–381.

Keywords: cycling, heart rate variability, performance, Tour de France, fatigue, elite

Citation: Bourdillon N, Bellenoue S, Schmitt L and Millet GP (2024) Daily cardiac autonomic responses during the Tour de France in a male professional cyclist. Front. Neurosci . 17:1221957. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1221957

Received: 13 May 2023; Accepted: 12 December 2023; Published: 08 January 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Bourdillon, Bellenoue, Schmitt and Millet. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Nicolas Bourdillon, [email protected]

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

What Is a Pro Cyclist’s Average Speed in the Tour de France?

We break down some key performance metrics of the world’s best cyclists to see how you would stack up.

average speed in the tour de france

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

Average Time Trial Speed

average speed in the tour de france

A Tour pro’s ability to produce more power for longer means that he would complete a 30K time trial about 20 minutes faster than the average rider. In other words, he’s really hammering.

Average Rider: 19 to 20 mph

Tour Pro: 29 to 31 mph

Average Speed on Flat Terrain

average speed in the tour de france

Even on flat land, a pro’s average speed in the Tour de France needs to be way up there in order to stay in the race. In fact, it’s usually about double that of an average rider.

Average Rider: 17 to 18 mph

Tour Pro: 25 to 28 mph

Maximum Sprint Power

average speed in the tour de france

Sprinters generate incredible amounts of power in the final 15-second dash for the line. A rider like Mark Cavendish might hit 1,500 watts at the end of a flat field sprint .

Average Rider: 600 to 800 watts

Tour Pro: 1,200 to 1,400 watts

Average Cobblestone Speed

average speed in the tour de france

The Tour de France often features at least one section of cobblestones , known locally as pavé (though sometimes that’s exchanged for a stretch of gravel) . On a tough section, pros can average an incredible 22 to 24 mph.

Average Rider: 14 to 16 mph

Tour Pro: 22 to 24 mph

preview for 11 Questions About the Tour de France Answered

Average Resting Heart Rate

average speed in the tour de france

Team EF Education-EasyPost utilized WHOOP straps during the 2020 Tour to collect detailed biometric data on the athletes 24/7 over the course of the entire 21-stage race, with remarkable results. The data showed an average resting heart rate of 42 beats per minute for the team before the start of the Tour, and 40 bpm after the first rest day. And in other jaw-dropping heart rate stats, team cyclist Neilson Powless spent 38 percent of Stage 8 in the 90- to 100-percent zone for his max heart rate . Unbelievable effort.

Average Rider : 60 to 100 bmp

Tour Pro : ~40 bmp

Sandwiches Consumed

average speed in the tour de france

Soigneurs (all-purpose team assistants) make lunches for everyone on the team, including the staff. With about 12 to 15 staffers supporting a given team’s nine riders in France, that’s a lot of bread and a lot of sandwiches consumed over the course of three weeks.

Average Rider: 1 to 3 sandwiches

Tour Pro: ~30 sandwiches

Daily Bottles of Drink Mix Guzzled

average speed in the tour de france

Depending on conditions, you might mix one or two bottles per ride. A Tour de France soigneur might mix between 40 and 120 bottles for the team on each stage, which means an individual rider may throw back up to a dozen bottles or more.

Average Rider: 1 to 2

Tour Pro: 4 to 13

How Long it Takes to Climb the Col du Tourmalet

average speed in the tour de france

A pro climber will probably average about 350 to 375 watts on the climb up the Col du Tourmalet. An ordinary rider would generate closer to 175 to 200—which means the Tour’s top climbers could ascend the Col nearly twice during your trip to the top. While the Col du Tourmalet isn’t featured in this year’s route , pros will take on major climbs like La Super Planche des Belles Filles and Alpe d’Huez .

Average Rider: 115 minutes

Tour Pro: 60 minutes

[Want to fly up hills? Climb! gives you the workouts and mental strategies to conquer your nearest peak.]

Bikes at Your Disposal

average speed in the tour de france

Depending on the rider and the team’s bike sponsor, most pros come to the Tour with an aero road bike for flatter stages, a climbing bike for the mountains, and a time-trial bike—not to mention spares. A general classification contender like Tadej Pogačar might have two or three of each.

Average Rider: 1 to 2 bikes

Tour Pro: 4 to 5 bikes

Since getting hooked on pro cycling while watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship in Philadelphia, longtime Bicycling contributor Whit Yost has raced on Belgian cobbles, helped build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux as an assistant director sportif. These days, he lives with his wife and son in Pennsylvania, spending his days serving as an assistant middle school principal and his nights playing Dungeons & Dragons.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Strength Training

mature man practicing yoga in bedroom

The Best Strength Training Workout for Cyclists

training in the mountains road cyclists in action

6 Healthy Daily Habits for Cycling and a Long Life

a man riding a bicycle on a road

Why You Should Focus on Muscle Power in the Gym

man doing exercise workout in garage

Why Cyclists Should Lift Heavy Weights

weighted sit ups

Weighted Sit-Ups Will Strengthen Your Core

renegade row kelvin gary performing a renegade row with a dumbbell in the studio

Here’s How to Do Renegade Rows

cyclist riding his bike on empty road, does cycling build glutes

How to Build Glutes as a Cyclist

mature woman doing barbell lifts during workout

5 Strength Workouts for Seniors

mallory creveling performing a reverse fly with dumbbells

How to Do a Reverse Fly Properly

single leg deadlift

How to Do a Single-Leg Deadlift

the connection between posture and mood make sure cycling feels good

Cycling Posture and Mood

Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists on the Tour de France circuit

Affiliations.

  • 1 M2S Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France.
  • 2 CIC-CIT INSERM UMR 1099, Rennes, France.
  • 3 University of Rennes 1, Department of Sports Medicine University Hospital of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI-UMR1099, Rennes, France.
  • PMID: 30845249
  • PMCID: PMC6405062
  • DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213472

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response.

Methods: Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day's stage. Pre-Tour baseline HRV recordings were made, as well as during the four weeks following completion of the Tour. Exercise daily load was assessed using the training impulse score (TRIMPS). Post-exercise rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed daily using the Borg CR-10 scale.

Results: The results show a HRV imbalance, increase of sympathetic and decrease of vagal activities respectively, along the event that correlated with rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.46), training impulse score (r = 0.60), and kilometers (r = 046). The greatest change in HRV balance was observed the days after the greatest relative physical load. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability values returned to their baseline values one week after completion of the event.

Conclusions: Despite incomplete recovery from day-to-day, fatigue is not summative or augmented with each successive stage and its physical load. Just one week is sufficient to restore baseline values. Heart rate and HRV can be used as a tool to strategically plan the effort of female cyclists that participate in multi-stage events.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*

Grants and funding

One Month Free Trial

Unlock Free Trial

How Hard are the Tour de France Stages for Cyclists?

By Jeremy Powers

How Hard are the Tour de France Stages for Cyclists?

We break down the difficulty of various Tour de France stages as riders take on the mountains, flat sections and time trials, using WHOOP data and other metrics.

The Tour de France is widely considered one of the most grueling and difficult athletic events on the planet. For 21 stages spanning 23 days, cyclists push their bodies to the max--day, after day, after day, after day. How hard are the various individual stages? We wanted to take a look at data we’ve been able to capture over the years from the big stages of the Tour de France, as well as the Giro d’Italia, another Grand Tour stage race that is three weeks long. We can use this data to better understand the incredible effort that these riders will undertake at this year’s Tour de France.  

The Strain and Exertion of Tour de France Stages

Generally speaking, a "normal" day at the Tour has a rider putting out somewhere around 230-250 watts on average (think of this as pressure on the pedals), which equates to about 900 kilojoules (a fancy way to say calories) per hour. Multiply that by 5 hours and it’s almost 5000 calories! And more often than not, this equates to a WHOOP strain score above 20 (strain is how we measure cardiovascular exertion, on a scale of 0-21). On some of the harder stages, this is closer to 300+ watts and 1100 calories/KJ per hour. Even for the fittest athletes in the world, this is a wild number and gets your cardiovascular system really fatigued. Strains over 20.5 are not uncommon.  

Daily WHOOP Strain Data from Each of Last Year’s Tour de France Stages

This graphic shows the average strain (in blue) for members of the EF Education - NIPPO Pro Cycling Team during each stage of the 2020 Tour de France:

daily tour de france strain

The average daily WHOOP strain and recovery for EF riders DURING THE 2020 TOUR DE FRANCE.

Below we’ll take a look at some of this year’s Tour de France stages (a mountain stage, a flat stage and a time trial) and break them down based on data we have from previous races.  

Mountain Stage & High Strain

Stage 8 of this year's Tour de France is the first true mountain stage: Distance: 94 miles (151 kilometers) Elevation: 11,000 feet of climbing ETA to Finish Stage: 5 hours, depending on weather, heat, etc.

Tour de france stage 8

The layout of Stage 8 in the 2021 Tour de France.

If we look at the last time we visited this stage, we actually have data from Lawson Craddock in 2018 . Back then, it was Stage 10 of the 2018 Tour de France. To give you a sense of things during that moment, at the time Lawson said this to us: “It was a rough day for me. I felt better than expected on the first climb, but that feeling was short lived. I suffered over the second mountain pass, but once we hit Col de Romme I was cooked.” Lawson had a solid 70% WHOOP recovery that day with a 20.6 strain, his most strenuous stage of the Tour to that point. His average heart rate for the ride was 146 beats per minute, his max heart rate was 183 bpm (near his top) and he burned around 4,600 calories/KJ. To use another example, Stage 6 of this year’s Giro d’Italia was also a very similar alpine stage--100 miles, roughly 5 hours of riding and 11,200 feet of climbing. Here’s a glimpse at some of EF rider Simon Carr ’s metrics from that stage: Recovery: 25% Day Strain: 20.5 Average HR: 145 bpm (nearly identical to Lawson’s mentioned above) The Giro’s Stage 6 had comparable terrain, mileage and elevation to Stage 10 of the 2018 Tour de France, and to what we’ll see in Stage 8 of the Tour this year. On these big climbing days there is no hiding. We can almost certainly expect the riders hitting strains of 20.6 and higher, and hopefully they’re waking up in the green ready to take on this massive day. But with it being the 8th straight day of competition, following a hectic first week and no rest days yet, chances are this is going to be a stage of attrition. Napping , blue light glasses, nutrition, hydration , massage, focussing on sleep consistency … literally every recovery method in the book is what the riders will be striving for leading into and after a huge stage like this.  

Flat Stage & Max Heart Rate at the Finish

Stage 19 of this year’s Tour fits this billing: Distance: 129 miles (207 kilometers) Elevation: 4,120 feet of climbing ETA to Finish Stage: 5 hours and should end in a sprint

2021 tour de france stage 19

THE LAYOUT OF STAGE 19 IN THE 2021 TOUR DE FRANCE.

Now that we’ve seen what a day in the mountains looks like, let's crunch a little data from some flat stages. These stages of a Grand Tour tend to be “easier” relative to what the riders are doing on the hillier days. Here’s a snippet of what we wrote during the 2018 Tour: “Lawson completed Stage 07 today, spending more than six hours on the bike. It was a long, mostly flat stage referred to as ‘boring’ by a few riders.” This is less true on days when certain riders have to “ride in the front” for the team’s sprinter or “get in the breakaway,” so let’s exclude those and just focus on a typical flat stage from someone who’s “sitting in the bunch.” At the Giro this year, the 13th stage was 126 miles long and flat as a pan. Simon Carr only burned 2700 calories/KJ with a WHOOP day strain of 15.9. This is an atypical stage of a Grand Tour, but it highlights just how different each day can be. Also, towards the end of these flatter stages it’s often very chaotic and dangerous as they come into the finish line, and it gets going fast . Looking at Simon’s heart rate data from this stage, you can see that he is full gas in the last 30-45 minutes and maxed out his HR just to finish in the pack.

flat stage heart rate

Simon Carr's heart rate during the flat Stage 13 of the 2021 Giro d'italia.

Time trial stage & non-stop elevated hr.

Stage 5 of the Tour this year is a time trial: Distance: 17 miles (27 kilometers) Elevation: 1089 feet of climbing ETA to Finish Stage: 30 minutes

2021 tour de france stage 5

THE LAYOUT OF STAGE 5 IN THE 2021 TOUR DE FRANCE.

Time trials are dubbed “the race against the clock,” which is a short (usually under 60 minutes) but constantly hard individual effort. The strain we see is different from any other days of a Grand Tour. If the riders pace it right, their heart rates will be lower at the beginning and progressively go up and up to the finish line. When you factor in what they do to warm up and cool down it can still end up being a “big day”--especially considering riders often need to finish within a certain time percentage of the winner in order to stay in the race. They can’t go out there and lallygag even for a moment, they have to keep moving even if they're not in the hunt for the overall or stage win. Lawson completed Stage 20 of the 2018 Tour (a 31-mile time trial) in just under 48 minutes, and his day strain still topped 16. Similarly, Simon hit a strain of 16.6 at the Giro’s Stage 21 time trial this year, despite being on the bike for only 18+ miles and 36 minutes. However, he spent 33 of those 36 minutes at 80% or more of his max heart rate, with his HR rarely dipping below 160 bpm the entire time.   RELATED: Pro Cyclist Heart Rate, Strain & Tour de France Data

CyclistsHub.com logo 500px with transparent background.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video reviews.

Cycling Heart Rate Training Zones Calculator

The following heart rate calculator will calculate your training zones based on your maximum M aximum H eart R ate or L actate T hreshold H eart R ate.

Choose calculation method:

Enter your Heart Rate to calculate your training zones:

Please remember that this calculator provides estimates and should only be used as a general guide. I recommend you see a professional and undergo supervised testing for more accurate results.

How Do I Determine My Maximum Heart Rate?

You can estimate your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220.

220 − YOUR AGE = MAXIMUM HEART RATE

However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and your MHR can vary based on individual factors (genetics, gender, fitness, medical conditions, etc.).

A more accurate way of determining your MHR is through a graded exercise test performed by a medical professional.

You can do the test at home if you have a bike trainer. Load a 20-minute or ramp FTP test. If you go all out, you will likely hit your MHR.

How Do I Determine My Lactate Threshold Heart Rate?

Take a lactate test in a testing center (but they will also set your training zones, so this calculator won’t be necessary). Or you can estimate your lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR) by doing a 30-minute time trial. Follow these steps:

  • Pace yourself similarly as during the 20-minute FTP test. Go as hard as you can during the 30 minutes.
  • Hit the lap button on your bike computer 10 minutes into the test. Make sure you have a heart rate monitor connected to your bike computer.
  • Finish the test.
  • Check your average heart rate during the last 20 minutes of this effort. That’s your estimated LTHR.

What Is Heart Rate Training?

Heart rate training is a method of monitoring your heart rate during exercise and using that information to guide your training.

It involves training at specific heart rate zones to improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance, power output, and other physiological adaptations that can enhance performance.

What Are the Individual Zones?

Here is the explanation of individual training zones.

Zone 1: Active Recovery

50-60% of the MHR

Active recovery refers to low-intensity exercise that promotes recovery after hard training sessions.

It helps clear lactic acid and other metabolic by-products from the muscles and promotes blood flow without putting too much stress on the body.

Zone 2: Endurance

60-70% of the MHR

Endurance training refers to cycling sessions focused on improving the body’s ability to sustain moderate to high levels of effort for extended periods.

It helps to build cardiovascular fitness and improves the body’s ability to use fat as a fuel source .

Zone 3: Tempo

70-80% of the MHR

Tempo training refers to cycling sessions focused on building the body’s ability to sustain a moderate to high level of effort for a shorter period of time.

It helps to improve the body’s ability to clear lactic acid and improve lactate threshold .

Zone 4: Lactate Threshold

80-90% of the MHR

Lactate threshold training refers to cycling sessions focused on improving the body’s ability to sustain a high level of effort before lactic acid accumulates in the muscles.

It helps to improve the body’s ability to clear lactic acid and improve endurance at high intensities .

Zone 5: VO2Max

90-100% of the MHR

VO2Max training refers to cycling sessions focused on improving the body’s maximum oxygen uptake capacity.

It helps improve the body’s ability to perform at high intensities for short periods and is an important component of training for high-intensity endurance sports such as cycling.

10 Benefits of Heart Training for Cyclists

  • Improved cardiovascular fitness : Training at specific heart rate zones will help to improve the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and blood vessels, resulting in better overall cardiovascular fitness.
  • Increased endurance : Training at lower heart rate zones will help improve your endurance and ability to sustain effort for longer periods.
  • Increased power output : Training at higher heart rate zones will help to increase your power output and ability to sustain high-intensity efforts.
  • Better fat burning : Training at lower heart rate zones will help to burn more fat as a fuel source.
  • Better lactate threshold : Training at specific heart rate zones will help improve your lactate threshold, which is the point at which lactic acid begins accumulating in your muscles.
  • Better pacing : By monitoring your heart rate during rides, you’ll be able to better pace yourself, which can help to improve your overall performance.
  • Improved efficiency : Training at specific heart rate zones will help to improve your body’s ability to use oxygen, which can help to make you a more efficient cyclist.
  • Better recovery : Training at lower heart rate zones will help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles, aiding recovery after hard efforts.
  • Better adaptation : Training at specific heart rate zones will help to promote adaptations in your muscles, such as increased capillarization and improved mitochondrial density, which will help to improve your performance.
  • Better monitoring of your effort : By monitoring your heart rate during rides, you’ll better understand the effort you’re putting in, which can help you train more effectively and make adjustments as necessary.

Heart Rate Training FAQ

It depends on your goals and current fitness level. A well-rounded training program typically includes a mix of different zones, with most training time spent in Zone 2, and less time in the higher zones. It’s also important to incorporate recovery days, strength training, and rest in your training program. I recommend studying more references or hiring a cycling coach for more info.

This calculator determines HR zones based on your maximum heart rate percentage. The most common zones are: Zone 1: 50-60% of MHR (recovery) Zone 2: 60-70% of MHR (endurance) Zone 3: 70-80% of MHR (tempo) Zone 4: 80-90% of MHR (lactate threshold) Zone 5: 90-100% of MHR (anaerobic) However, some resources differentiate more zones (6, 7, and even more). The 5 zones described above is the most basic one.

A heart rate monitor is a must for HR training. This can be a chest strap or wrist-based monitor. However, the best approach is to combine HR and power data from a power meter . To learn more, read my other article comparing HR training and power meters .

  • “Heart Rate Training” by Roy Benson, Declan Connolly
  • “The Cyclist’s Training Bible: The World’s Most Comprehensive Training Guide” by Joe Friel
  • “Total Heart Rate Training” by Joe Friel
  • “The Heart Rate Monitor Guidebook to Heart Zone Training” by Sally Edwards
  • trainingbible.com

Start typing and press enter to search

Click through the PLOS taxonomy to find articles in your field.

For more information about PLOS Subject Areas, click here .

Loading metrics

Open Access

Peer-reviewed

Research Article

Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists on the Tour de France circuit

Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliations M2S Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France, CIC-CIT INSERM UMR 1099, Rennes, France

ORCID logo

Roles Conceptualization, Supervision

Affiliation University of Rennes 1, Department of Sports Medicine University Hospital of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI-UMR1099, Rennes, France

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis

Affiliations CIC-CIT INSERM UMR 1099, Rennes, France, University of Rennes 1, Department of Sports Medicine University Hospital of Rennes, INSERM, LTSI-UMR1099, Rennes, France

Roles Conceptualization

Affiliation CIC-CIT INSERM UMR 1099, Rennes, France

Roles Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing

Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation

  • Anna Barrero, 
  • Frédéric Schnell, 
  • Guy Carrault, 
  • Gaelle Kervio, 
  • David Matelot, 
  • François Carré, 
  • Solène Le Douairon Lahaye

PLOS

  • Published: March 7, 2019
  • https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472
  • Reader Comments

Table 1

This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response.

Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day’s stage. Pre-Tour baseline HRV recordings were made, as well as during the four weeks following completion of the Tour. Exercise daily load was assessed using the training impulse score (TRIMPS). Post-exercise rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed daily using the Borg CR-10 scale.

The results show a HRV imbalance, increase of sympathetic and decrease of vagal activities respectively, along the event that correlated with rate of perceived exertion (r = 0.46), training impulse score (r = 0.60), and kilometers (r = 046). The greatest change in HRV balance was observed the days after the greatest relative physical load. Mean heart rate and heart rate variability values returned to their baseline values one week after completion of the event.

Conclusions

Despite incomplete recovery from day-to-day, fatigue is not summative or augmented with each successive stage and its physical load. Just one week is sufficient to restore baseline values. Heart rate and HRV can be used as a tool to strategically plan the effort of female cyclists that participate in multi-stage events.

Citation: Barrero A, Schnell F, Carrault G, Kervio G, Matelot D, Carré F, et al. (2019) Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability in well-trained female cyclists on the Tour de France circuit. PLoS ONE 14(3): e0213472. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472

Editor: Riccardo Di Giminiani, University of L’Aquila, ITALY

Received: November 8, 2018; Accepted: February 21, 2019; Published: March 7, 2019

Copyright: © 2019 Barrero et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the manuscript.

Funding: Research was supported by the Brittany Council. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction

Intensive endurance training is very demanding for the human organism and its regulatory systems [ 1 ]. Among them, cardiovascular control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) presents alterations varying with the training versus recovery balance. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents sinus node modulation by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS [ 2 ]. HRV analysis is validated as a noninvasive method to study individual functional adaptations occurring to a given training stimulus in athletes [ 1 , 3 ].

HRV analysis is proposed as a valuable tool to study the athlete’s training versus recovery equilibrium and to detect early overreaching state that can decrease the athlete’s performance level [ 2 , 3 ]. To our knowledge, most studies performed on this topic have focused on male athletes or mixed populations, and very few have studied female athletes. This omission is significant because the neural control of circulation differs with sex, especially before menopause [ 4 ]. HRV markers of sympathetic activity response after an orthostatic challenge test have been reported to be higher in male than in female athletes presented with a similar training load [ 5 ].

Moreover, HRV analysis in athletes has been focused mainly on the changes observed after acute post-exercise or throughout a training season in order to prevent fatigue and overtraining [ 1 , 6 – 8 ]. HRV parameters changes induced by repeated days of endurance exercise have been scarcely studied, and only in male athletes [ 9 ]. Yet, it seems that the daily monitoring of HRV throughout a multi-day sporting event would be of interest for coaches to anticipate fatigue and to guide the athlete for his best final performance.

Therefore, the two objectives of this study were to describe a comprehensive characterization of resting heart rate (HR) and HRV changes in well-trained female cyclists during and following a multi-stage cycling event, and to propose an adapted method to follow fatigue and recovery in these athletes throughout this kind of sports event. We hypothesized that cyclists performing a Tour de France would incur a substantial HR increase and HRV decrease at rest along the days which would be worsened throughout the stages.

Materials and methods

Ten healthy and well-trained (regional or national level) female cyclists coming from 4 countries (Belgium, France, Spain, Ukraine) completed the 21 stages of the men’s 2017 Tour de France, but one day before each stage of the official race. The event was performed without competition spirit. The cyclists completed the flat stages as a group, and each performed the time-trial and mountain stages at her own pace.

All participants gave informed written consent to participate in this study, which received the approval of the Rennes University Hospital Ethics Committee (Number 2013-A01524-41) and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Pre-participation medical evaluation

All athletes had a medical examination before the event, including a physical exam, a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), a transthoracic echocardiogram, and an incremental maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Excalibur Sport, Lode, The Netherlands). The exercise protocol started with a warm-up period (100 W for 5 min and 150 W for 1 min) followed by a step load-increase of 25 W/min until exhaustion. None of the athletes ingested any contraceptive and their menstrual cycle was not controlled.

Description of the cycling event

The cycling event consisted of 21 stages and two rest days ( Table 1 ). Due to the length of the stages, cyclists fed and hydrated continuously on the bike, according their needs. So individual food and fluid intake could not be controlled nor recorded during the stage nor between stages.

thumbnail

  • PPT PowerPoint slide
  • PNG larger image
  • TIFF original image

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.t001

Baseline HRV values were established from the average of four days before the first stage. HRV was monitored each day during the event and on the first day following completion of the Tour, then once per week during the four weeks post-Tour. Cyclists refrained from any intense efforts during both the pre- and post-Tour periods.

Recording RR samples.

The RR interval samples were recorded with a sampling rate of 1000 Hz with a HR monitor (Polar V800, Kempele, Finland) [ 10 , 11 ]. Recordings were performed right after the cyclist woke up in the morning following an overnight fast, in a quiet, semi-darkened room, temperature range of 22–25°C. [ 2 ]. The RR samples were collected during two successive 7- minute periods, in supine and standing positions [ 1 ]. All athletes were familiarized with the monitor use.

HRV analysis.

The RR data recorded was downloaded via Polar FlowSync software for Mac version 2.6.4 (Polar, Kempele, Finland) and exported for analysis with the Kubios HRV Standard software v3.0.0 2 (Biosignal Analysis and Medical Imaging Group at the Department of Applied Physics, Kuopio, Finland) [ 10 ]. For the analysis, the last 5 minutes window for each position was used. All the ectopic beats were filtered with the artifact correction option of the software. A very low threshold was applied when needed. Both time and frequency domain analyses were performed [ 1 ]. The root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD), which reflects HR vagal modulation, was calculated. The high (HF:0.15–0.40 Hz) and low (LF:0.04–0.15Hz) frequency domains were analyzed. The HF band reflects vagal modulation while the LF band indicates both sympathetic and parasympathetic influences []. RMSSD, HFnu, LFnu (normal units) absolute values and their difference between supine and standing positions were calculated. The normalized (or normalized unit) spectral indices are defined by the developers of the Kubios HRV Standard software v3.0.0 2 as HFnu = HF / (LF + HF) and LFnu = LF / (LF + HF) (Biosignal Analysis and Medical Imaging Group at the Department of Applied Physics, Kuopio, Finland) in accordance with the recommendations [ 2 ].

Load of exercise analysis

Each individual exercise daily load was calculated using the training impulse score (TRIMPS) method [ 12 ]. HR and GPS data were monitored continuously during each stage with the HR monitor. HR was divided into five zones, i.e. 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90% and 90–100% of the individual maximal HR. Work load quantification was derived from the duration spent within the five HR zones [ 12 ].

Rate of perceived exertion

The individual rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated with the Borg CR-10 scale [ 13 ] within 30 minutes after the end of each stage.

Statistical analysis

Data are presented as mean ± SD. All analyses were performed using SPSS v.21 for Mac and STATISTICA v.7.1 for Windows. Normal Gaussian distribution of the data was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis of variance for repeated measurements was used. A Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to identify where the differences lie. In addition to the day-to-day effects on HR and HRV, the Tour was divided into 3 periods: period 1 (stages 1–9), period 2 (stages 10–15) and period 3 (stages 16–21), with rest days following stages 9 and 15.

Pearson’s product moment coefficient was calculated to assess the relationships among RPE, TRIMPS, the mileage of the stages, and the HR and HRV parameters. Significance was set at P <0.05.

All cyclists successfully finished the Tour de France.

Table 2 shows the demographic characteristics and the result of the cardiopulmonary exercise test of the subjects.

thumbnail

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.t002

HR, HRV, and workload values are presented for each stage (including resting days) of the cycling event in Table 3 ; and for each period in Table 4 .

thumbnail

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.t003

thumbnail

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.t004

In order to see the evolution of the subjects along the cycling event, Fig 1 presents HR, HRV, and workload values for each stage (including resting days).

thumbnail

Data are presented as mean group values. Absolute HR values different from baseline value* ( P < 0.05); different from previous stage # ( P < 0.05). HR standing- HR supine values different from baseline value $ ( P < 0.05). When reading the differences, note that all the values were recorded on the morning of each stage, which reflects the load effect of the previous stage. HR: heart rate; RMSSD: root mean square of successive differences; HF: high frequency; LF: low frequency; ms: milliseconds, n.u.: normalized units; TT: time trial; FT: flat stage; MM: medium mountain stage; HM: high mountain stage; Post: post-cycling event period.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.g001

To have a greater vision of the subjects’ evolution, Fig 2 illustrates HR and HRV parameters by periods.

thumbnail

Data are presented as mean group values for each period. Period 1: from stage 1 until stage 9 inclusive, period 2 from stage 10 until stage 15 inclusive, period 3 from stage 16 until stage 21 inclusive. Post: post-Tour period. Statistical differences: Different from baseline * ( P < 0.05); different from the previous period # ( P < 0.05). Standing-supine values different from baseline $ ( P < 0.05); different from previous period £ ( P < 0.05). HR: heart rate; RMSSD: root mean square of the successive differences; HF: high frequency; LF: low frequency; ms: milliseconds; n.u.: normalized units; TRIMPS: training impulse.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213472.g002

Heart rate evolution

Supine HR during period 1 increased in comparison with its basal value after stage 2 (flat). This increase persisted until stage 9 with no difference among the stages. During period 2, HR increased after the first medium mountain stage (12 th stage) and then decreased to its basal value. During period 3, HR was higher than its basal value only after the 17 th (high-mountain) and 19 th (flat) stages. For each of the three periods the global supine HR was higher than the basal value. HR was higher during period 1 than during periods 2 and 3, but no difference was observed between periods 2 and 3. The HR value returned to its basal values after each rest day and during the recovery period.

The standing HR values presented no difference during the cycling event, except after stage 2 ( Fig 1 ). No differences were observed among the three periods. Positive correlations were observed between supine HR and the distance of the stage (r = 0.46, P = 0.037), TRIMPS (r = 0.60, P = 0.004), and RPE (r = 0.46, P = 0.038). The higher the workload, the higher supine HR was after a recovery night.

HFnu and LFnu evolution

Supine HFnu was decreased compared to its basal value from stage 2 until the first rest day, after which it went back to the basal value ( Fig 1 ). Then, the HFnu value decreased from the 19 th stage and returned to its basal value after the 21 st stage. Lastly, the HFnu value was very close to its basal value after one week of recovery. As expected, LFnu mirrored the evolution of HFnu, with an increase of LFnu in compared to basal and recovery values. The changes in daily LFnu were more frequently different than the HFnu ones and overall LFnu was higher than HFnu during the entire cycling event. The opposite was observed only before the event start and during the recovery. No differences were observed between mean supine HFnu and LFnu values by period ( Fig 2 ). The daily standing-supine differences for HFnu and LFnu were lower than their basal values during the entire Tour, except after the second rest day. No differences were observed after one week of recovery ( Fig 1 ). The mean period analysis of standing-supine difference of these parameters showed the same significant differences as the daily values compared to baseline during all three periods, except for the second rest day ( Fig 2 ). The standing HFnu values were lower and LFnu values were higher than supine, with no variation during the cycling event (Figs 1 and 2 ).

RMSSD evolution

The supine RMSSD global evolution showed the same trend as HFnu, even though more stages showed RMSSD declines ( Fig 1 ). The same was observed with the periods analysis, with a more marked RMSSD decrease during all the periods in comparison to the basal and recovery periods ( Fig 2 ). No significant variation was noted for the standing RMSSD.

The daily RMSSD standing-supine difference was lower than the basal value during the whole cycling period, except after the second rest day and after one week of recovery ( Fig 2 ). There was a significant correlation between supine RMSSD and distance of the stages (r = -0.45, P = 0.0001). The mean period analysis of RMSSD standing-supine show a reduction compared to baseline but with no differences among periods ( Fig 2 ).

Rate of perceived exertion evolution

There was a more marked decrease after the first rest day than after the second one ( Table 3 ). The RPE evolution was positively related to TRIMPS (r = 0.61, P = 0.003) and to the distance of the stages (r = 0.91, P = 0.0001).

To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the day-to-day resting HR and HRV responses in well-trained female cyclists during a multi-stage cycling event. We observed variable responses of HR and HRV parameters in relation to the distance of the stage throughout the Tour which partially confirms our hypothesis. The difference between standing and supine HR and HRV has a practical application for monitoring fatigue in a female cyclist.

Evolution of HR and HRV indices during the cycling event

As proposed, we studied the HR standing/supine difference and HRV indices responses to the orthostatic stress that reflects the adaptation of the sinus node [ 1 ]. Because significant changes concerned mainly resting values with no change for standing values (Figs 1 and 2 ), the discussion will concern resting HRV indices. Globally we observed an inversion of the ratio LFnu/HFnu with a value higher than 1 throughout the event, except for one value after the second rest day, in comparison to a LFnu/HFnu lower than 1 during the pre-race and post-race periods. During the first period (stages 1–9) of the event, both HR and HRV changes show a biphasic pattern. Indeed, in comparison to the basal value, period 1 showed three parts. No change was observed after stages 1 and 2, then after stages 3 to 5 a statistically significant decrease of HR response was noted. Concerning HRV indices, we observed a significant increase in the LFnu/HFnu ratio explained by a significant increase in sympathetic (LFnu) input associated with a significant decrease in parasympathetic (HFnu) input. Lastly, in stages 6 to 9 there was a less marked decrease of HR associated with a progressive increase in HFnu and a decrease in LFnu (Figs 1 and 2 ). The decrease of HR standing/supine difference observed during stages 3 to 9 was due to both an increase of resting HR and a decrease of standing HR. Throughout the second and third periods the HR as HRV responses to orthostatic stress were attenuated, with similar changes as seen during stages 6–9. The decrease of HR responses during these two periods was due to a lesser increase in standing HR than during the basal period, with fewer changes in supine HR. It must be noted that despite a very low level of mean TRIMPS during the last two stages of the Tour (20–21), 124 au and 276 au, respectively, we observed a marked decrease of HR response to orthostatic stress due to a low increase in HR and a marked increase in LFnu/HFnu when standing. This discrepancy between TRIMPS and HR response could be interpreted as a fatigue sign.

The biphasic response observed during period 1 was not linked to a workload difference (mean TRIMPS 1205 au and 1397 au, respectively, for stages 3–5 and 6–9; NS). The HR and HRV response we observed could be explained by the change in the cardiac preload reported after a few days of intense training, due to delayed hormonal responses [ 14 , 15 ]. A similar biphasic response observed in left ventricular function has been reported after a four-day simulated multi-stage cycling [ 16 ]. The higher workload recorded during the first period compared to the second and third periods could explain the differences observed in HR and HRV responses.

The beneficial effect of a rest day for the responses to orthostatic stress appears clearly in Figs 1 and 2 , for one day as well as during the recovery period post-Tour. Concerning the effects of the rest days proposed during the race, to our knowledge only one study investigated the effects on HRV indices of rest days (days 10 and 17) during the Vuelta a España performed by male cyclists. Similar to the present study, no difference was observed between rest days and pre-race HRV indices [ 9 ]. Our results show that after one week of post-race recovery, all HR parameters and HRV indices were similar to the pre-event basal values.

Supine RMSSD values, another parasympathetic parameter, mimics the globally responses of HFnu (Figs 1 and 2 ). After the two hardest stages of the event (HM stages 9 and 12, with 181 and 214 km), an acute decrease of supine and standing RMSSD values was observed ( Fig 1 ).

To summarize, in comparison to the basal value, the day-to-day HR and HRV responses to an orthostatic active test vary with the duration of the cycling event. The temporary marked alterations of HR responses and of autonomic balance (LFnu/HFnu) observed during the first stages do not seem to be due to a real fatigue state but to acute stress stimuli (subjects not used to these distances). During the next stages both a stable and modest decrease of HR responses and an increase of LFnu/HFnu were observed. We did not observe a pattern of fatigue accumulation with the repetition of stages. However, at the end of the event (two last stages) marked alteration of the parameters studied was again observed. These results are in accordance with the most common ‘fatigue’ pattern described in athletes during intensive training [ 17 ]. This is confirmed by the quick and complete recovery after one week. Another observation is that supine HR response correlated with the distance of the stages, TRIMPS, and RPE.

Practical applications from the study

Several studies, reviews, and meta-analyses are in favor of the value of the HRV follow-up in male and female athletes to guide their training to prevent overreaching and overtraining [ 1 , 3 , 18 , 19 ]. Our study corroborates that HRV is a useful non-invasive tool that can help to program training and identify fatigue in endurance cyclists. From a practical point of view, the results of this study can help to propose the more useful validated parameters for a daily practice during a multistage cycling event. Globally, given their lack of sensitivity the contribution of the isolated variations of the HR and HRV standing parameters used in this study appear as the less contributive (Figs 1 and 2 ). Concerning the HR survey, the difference between standing and supine HR after an active orthostatic test showed a good value and the variations of resting supine HR appear as a very simple tool. Concerning the HRV parameters, the use of two indices (RMSSD and HFnu) reflecting the response of the sinus node to the parasympathetic stimuli does not seem useful. The association of the two spectral indices LFnu and HFnu in supine position appears to be the most informative.

Limitations of the study

This study presents some limitations. First, the number of athletes studied was small. This limitation was mainly due to the specific and heavy daily logistic associated with this project that was not an official competition. Second, the cycling event was not a competitive one and our results need to be confirmed in competition because of the specific somatic stress linked to competition. Third, the daily recovery included only one night’s rest without a scientific adapted nutrition or massage session. A more scientific recovery might alter the observed results.

The characterization of the HRV response during the entire Tour de France adds new information concerning the fluctuating sympathovagal response of an ultra-endurance event. Despite incomplete recovery, the extent of cardiac suppression with each successive stage, and its physical load, is not summative or augmented. Just one week is enough to restore baseline values. These results suggest that well-trained female cyclists need only one week to recover from an effort such as the Tour de France circuit.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the enthusiastic participation of the subjects in this study and the generous technical support of Johan Cassirame and Armel Cretual. We also thank Dave Tanner for his help in English proofreading.

  • View Article
  • PubMed/NCBI
  • Google Scholar
  • 12. Edwards S. The heart rate monitor book. Sacramento: Fleet Feet Press; 1993.
  • 13. Borg G. Borg’s perceived exertion and pain scales. Champaign, IL, US: Human Kinetics; 1998. viii, 104–viii, p.

IMAGES

  1. Tour de France Cyclists Have Heart Rates of 40 Beats per Minute & Other

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

  2. [Resting cyclist, Tour de France, France]

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

  3. Tour de France Average Speed

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

  4. From body fat to power output: anatomy of a Tour de France rider

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

  5. Cycling Heart Rate Zones Explained: How To Use HR Monitor & Zones

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

  6. Cycling Heart Rate Zones Explained

    tour de france cyclist resting heart rate

COMMENTS

  1. Pro Cyclist Heart Rate, Strain & Tour de France Data

    WHOOP quantifies the strain (cardiovascular load) your body takes on each day on a 0-21 scale. Through the Tour's 21 stages (which spanned just 23 days total with only a pair of days off), the EF riders posted average day strains of 20 or more 13 times. Additionally, on other days they averaged 19.5, 19.4, 19.2, 18.8 and 18.0 (see graphic below).

  2. From body fat to power output: anatomy of a Tour de France rider

    HEART RATE: 42BPM. Data from wearable fitness experts Whoop has revealed that Tour de France riders have an average resting heart rate of just 42 beats per minute (bpm). According to the American Heart Association, 60-100bpm is considered normal, so Tour riders have a significantly lower resting heart rate than the rest of us.

  3. Tour de France Cyclists Have Heart Rates of 40 Beats per Minute & Other

    Cyclists burn about 6,000 calories a day. On average, Tour de France cyclists ride 110 miles per day and burn about 6,000 calories.To put this into perspective, the average adult at rest can burn ...

  4. Five key points of Chris Froome's physiological data

    Froome's hemoglobin was reported to be 15.3g/100mL in samples taken on July 13 during the 2015 Tour de France and on August 20, the day after his physiological test at GSK.

  5. Miguel Indurain's Heart Rate (Revealed) • Bicycle 2 Work

    The peak of Miguel Indurain's career was between 1991 and 1995. He was at this point between 26 and 31 years of age, and it was during this period that he won his five Tour de France titles. During this period, his resting heart rate was somewhere between 28 and 32 beats per minute. This is one of the lowest heart rates ever recorded.

  6. Bernal's 'amazing engine': how do endurance athletes' hearts differ?

    Where an average adult's resting heart rate might be between 60-90 beats per minute (bpm), a Tour de France cyclist can have readings of lower than 40 bpm. Physiological tests carried out on Chris Froome by Team Sky to quash doping allegations after his Tour successes, showed that his resting heart rate dropped as low as 29 bpm. Cycling is ...

  7. Are cyclists at greater risk of atrial fibrillation?

    "As a 6ft 2in athlete with a resting heart rate in the 30s and parents with Afib, I was destined to suffer it," Stuart adds. As a 6ft 4in cyclist with a resting heart rate in the high-40s ...

  8. Daily cardiac autonomic responses during the Tour de France in ...

    Methods: A professional cyclist recorded resting and exercise inter-beat intervals during 5 months, comprising a training period with two altitude sojourns and two competition blocks, including the Tour de France. Resting recordings lasted 5 min in the supine position and were used for computation of mean heart rate (HR), root mean square of ...

  9. Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability

    This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response.Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the ...

  10. Whoop reveals pro riders' sleep data from last year's Tour de France

    Resting heart rate: 41.8 ± 4.5 beats·min-1 vs 44.5 ± 1.2 Heart rate variability during sleep: 108.7 ± 17.0 ms vs 99.1 ± 4.2 ms Baseline versus during the event - women

  11. Checking your resting heart rate is crucial for cyclists

    A heart rate that is elevated 7-10 beats higher than normal may indicate that you have not recovered from your previous session and it may be wise to take an easier days training. If heart rate is within 2-3 beats of your normal measurement, training at a good level that day should be ok. Recording the number is very important because after a ...

  12. Frontiers

    Methods: A professional cyclist recorded resting and exercise inter-beat intervals during 5 months, comprising a training period with two altitude sojourns and two competition blocks, including the Tour de France. Resting recordings lasted 5 min in the supine position and were used for computation of mean heart rate (HR), root mean square of ...

  13. Heart Rate Variability: What It Is, How It Informs Training

    Tour de France; Shop; Bikes and Gear; Mountain Bikes ... who's an avid cyclist and Ironman ... You know that heart rate is beats per minute and you've likely looked at your resting heart rate ...

  14. How to Lower Resting Heart Rate: Improve Your Heart Health

    It's totally normal for it to fluctuate to some degree. The number-one way to lower your resting heart rate is exercise. Don't think of it as a goal of exercise, though, as it's actually a ...

  15. WHOOP Study Tracks Professional Cyclists In First of Its Kind

    The Tour de France Femmes returned in 2022 for the first time in its current format. It is shorter than the Tour de France but equally challenging with just 8 stages that cover 642 miles. How Professional Cyclists Compare to WHOOP Members. Professional cyclists often have high heart rate variability and low resting heart rates due to the ...

  16. Heart rate response to professional road cycling: the Tour de France

    The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the heart rate response of 8 professional cyclists (26+/-3 yr; 68.9+/-5.2 kg; V02max: 74.0+/-5.8 ml x kg (-1) x min (-1)) during the 3-week Tour de France as an indicator of exercise intensity. Subjects wore a heart rate telemeter during 22 competition stages and recorded data were analysed ...

  17. What Is a Pro Cyclist's Average Speed in the Tour de France?

    And in other jaw-dropping heart rate stats, team cyclist Neilson Powless spent 38 percent of Stage 8 in the 90- to 100-percent zone for his max heart rate. Unbelievable effort. Unbelievable effort ...

  18. Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability

    Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response. Methods: Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min ...

  19. How Hard are Tour de France Stages for Cyclists?

    His average heart rate for the ride was 146 beats per minute, his max heart rate was 183 bpm (near his top) and he burned around 4,600 calories/KJ. To use another example, Stage 6 of this year's Giro d'Italia was also a very similar alpine stage--100 miles, roughly 5 hours of riding and 11,200 feet of climbing.

  20. Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate ...

    cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exer-tion response. Methods Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a porta-ble heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min.) positions, as well as throughout each day's stage.

  21. Cycling Heart Rate Training Zones Calculator

    This calculator determines HR zones based on your maximum heart rate percentage. The most common zones are: Zone 1: 50-60% of MHR (recovery) Zone 2: 60-70% of MHR (endurance) Zone 3: 70-80% of MHR (tempo) Zone 4: 80-90% of MHR (lactate threshold) Zone 5: 90-100% of MHR (anaerobic)

  22. Daily fatigue-recovery balance monitoring with heart rate variability

    Objectives This study aimed to analyze the daily heart rate variability (HRV) in well-trained female cyclists during the 2017 Tour de France circuit and to relate it to the load and perceived exertion response. Methods Ten female cyclists volunteered to participate in the study. HRV was recorded with a portable heart rate monitor each morning at rest in supine (7 min.) and upright (7 min ...