Physiological and Anthropometric Changes in a Recreational Cyclist Preparing for the Tour de France Route: A Case Study Case Study
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Keywords
Cycling, Endurance, Mitochondria
Abstract
Introduction: To examine longitudinal changes in aerobic fitness, anaerobic performance, neuromuscular function, flexibility, and body composition in a recreational cyclist preparing to complete the 2025 Tour de France course.
Methods: A male recreational cyclist (48 years of age) underwent physiological and musculoskeletal assessments in November 2024, January 2025, and June 2025 during an eight-month training period leading up to the completion of the 2025 Tour de France racecourse starting on June 28th, 2025. One month following the race, aerobic power was also reassessed. Measurements included maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), anaerobic power, grip strength, vertical jump height, flexibility, body mass, and limb muscle thickness. Percent changes were calculated.
Results: VO₂max increased from 43.9 to 54.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. From January to June, anaerobic peak power increased by 4.2% (839 to 874 Watts), while grip strength (95 to 115 kg; 21.1%) and vertical jump height (15.5 to 17 inches; 9.7%) revealed substantial neuromuscular adaptation. Body mass decreased slightly (−0.8%), while modest increases in muscle thickness were observed (0.2–3.1%). Flexibility remained largely unchanged.
Conclusions: This case study demonstrates marked aerobic and neuromuscular adaptations in a recreational cyclist preparing for an extreme endurance challenge. Training to complete a professional-level race route elicited significant improvements in physiological capacity, highlighting the adaptability of non-elite athletes to high-volume endurance training. The recreational cyclist successfully completed all 21 stages of the Tour de France racecourse, cycling 3409 km with an elevation gain of over 50,585 meters, and burned an estimated 86,478 kcals.
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Copyright, 2026 by the authors. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Scott Forbes, Brandon University
Department of Physical Education Studies