Temporal power of a cycling sprinter: Experiments and effective time theory

Using data recorded on ergocycle and in situ at the National Velodrome of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, either during training sessions or during the 2022 World Championships, we first carry out an experimental study of the decay over time of the power produced by a sprinter. We then develop a theoretical model for the power output based on the definition of an effective time to account for fatigue. Comparisons between the predictions of the model and the experimental data show a good agreement in all the conditions tested, both on ergocycle and in the velodrome.