Female RAAM: Ultra-Endurance Cycling
Ultra-endurance is defined by any sports event that exceeds a particular duration of time. For cyclists, participants who embark on a race surpassing 100 miles are considered ultra-endurance athletes. These individuals are characterized by their ability to sustain a higher absolute speed for any given distance than other competitors.
Ultra-endurance events require an abundance of qualities and commitment; psychological and physical strength, sufficient nutrition, training, adaptation to environmental stressors, the ability to utilize selective attention and long-term preparation. The key is to devise a periodised training plan and, if correctly executed, cyclists can achieve a high state of readiness for a competition. Whilst each training plan should be unique for each participant, there are particular principles to follow that will test a cyclist’s tolerance of repetitive strain; structural tolerance, consistent training, overload, specificity, individualization and all-round development. Furthermore, following an appropriate nutritional practice, in order to prepare and recover for daily training and reduce the risk of injury, is essential for optimal performance.
The Race Across America (RAAM), which recently took place in June 2014, surpasses most ultra-challenges by demanding participants to cycle for approximately 3,000 miles. It is widely recognized as the world’s most difficult ultra-endurance race, beginning in Oceanside, CA and finishing in Annapolis, MD. Each solo racer must qualify for the race by completing one of the 30 qualifying events.
Shusanah Pillinger, an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete, attempted to become the first British solo female to complete RAAM. Shu partnered with the world-class sport scientists at the GSK Human Performance Lab in order to optimize her chances of completing the race. Previous to the race, Shu participated in cognitive strategy sessions, alongside various tests monitoring her body composition, Vo2, sweat levels, core temperature and strength. Matt Furber, a sport scientist at the Human Performance Lab accompanied Shu throughout her race, continuing to monitor her weight, nutrition, hydration, fatigue and risk of injury to collect data for the lab’s scientific research.
After two years of intense preparation, thorough assessment and strategic support at the GSK Human Performance Lab, 9 days into the race Shu suffered a fall due to the effects of sleep deprivation. She broke her collar bone which consequently made her unable to complete the race. Along with Matt Furber, the ultra-cyclist will shortly share her insights into the event via a live webinar hosted by the GSK Human Performance Lab, covering the challenges she faced as well as discussing the demands of ultra-endurance racing and training for such an event.
Registration for the webinar is still open and can be found here: https://www.gskhpl.com/secure/login/?redirect=/expert-science-community/meet-the-experts/webinar-registration
