Effects of 12-wks of block periodization on performance and performance indices in well-trained cyclists Running head: “Block periodization in well-trained cyclists” Bent R. Rønnestad1, Stian Ellefsen1, Håvard Nygaard1, Erika E. Zacharoff1, Olav Vikmoen1, Joar Hansen1, and Jostein Hallén2 1
Section for Sport Science, Lillehammer University College, Lillehammer, Norway Department of Physical Performance, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Corresponding author: Bent R. Rønnestad Lillehammer University College PB. 952, 2604 Lillehammer Norway E-mail:
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Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two different methods of organizing endurance training in trained cyclists during a 12 weeks preparation period. One group of cyclists performed block periodization (BP; n=8), wherein every 4th week constituted five sessions of high intensity aerobic training (HIT), followed by three weeks of one HIT session. Another group performed a more traditional organization (TRAD; n=7), with 12 weeks of two weekly HIT sessions. The HIT was interspersed with low intensity training (LIT) so that similar total volumes of both HIT and LIT were performed in the two groups. BP achieved a larger relative improvement in VO2max than TRAD (8.8±5.9% vs. 3.7±2.9%), respectively, p
