Just discovered this article whilst doing a Research paper on the Athlete's Heart. The article basically summarises the physiological and biomechanical make-up of a TDF champion. It didn't take long to figure out who it was. For example, whoever it is was at the time a 6 time TDF champion, had received treatment and surgery for cancer, the testing was completed at Austin University Texas and at the end it says the author would like to thank Lance Armstrong for his co-operation and dedication. So there goes all anonymity - so much for research ethics!

Anyway here is a summary of Lance's data from age 21 to age 28.

The study summarises that Lance achieved an 8% improvement in muscular efficiency over a 7 year period and that combined with reductions in body weight and body fat prior to the TDF contributed to an impressive 18% improvement in power to body weight ratio.

Although not measured during or immediately prior to the TDF, the authors managed to use linear statistical techniques to estimate TDF physiological variables. It is estimated that Lances VO2 max was 85 ml/kg/min during the TDF - somewhat higher than was previously measured by the same author on a previous 5 time TDF champion between 1991 and 1995. (79 ml/kg/min). It should be noted that Lance's value is one of the highest ever recorded in world class runners and cyclists.

Not only did Lance have a high lactate threshold (around 76-85% VO2 max), he also had low lactate concentrations 4 minutes following exhaustive exercise of 6.5-7.5 mM. His team-mates at the time and other professional cyclists who have been tested show values of 9-14 mM. This shows a rapid muscle recovery process which was attributed to high levels of important enzymes that flush the muscle of waste products.

A noticeable drop in VO2 max is observed in a period following chemotherapy and reduced training of 1-2 hours every day at moderate intensity. Another linear statistical technique was used to predict that if completely detrained, Lance would have a VO2 max of ~55 ml/kg/min which would be in the highest range normal men can achieve without training (some evidence for a natural endurance genetic trait).

The improved muscular efficiency was hypothesized to be due to increased type I muscle fibre percentage and increased type I muscle fibre ATPase activity. This means that there is a higher percentage of endurance type muscle fibres (slow twitch) and an increased activity of important enzymes for utilising the muscle energy store ATP. It was noted that although these muscle fibres do not directly increase muscular power, they allow for a higher cadence at a given power output therefore increasing muscular power and hence muscular efficiency.