195 International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2009, 4, 195-205 © 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc. An Analysis of the Pacing Strategies Adopted by Elite Athletes During Track Cycling Jo Corbett Purpose: To investigate pacing strategy during the 1-km time trial (TT) and 3- and 4-km individual pursuit (IP), in elite cyclists. Methods: Total times and intermediate times were obtained from the 2007 and 2008 cycling World Championships in the 1-km TT and 2006, 2007, and 2008 World Championships in the 3- and 4-km IP. Data were analyzed to examine the pacing-profles employed and pacing strategies of “slow” and “fast” performances. Results: Similar pacing-profles were evident in each event, which were characterized by an initial acceleration followed by a progressive decay in split times. In the 1-km TT, the frst 250-m split time was a primary determinant of total time, whereas the rate of fatigue over the remainder of the race did not discriminate between performances. The frst 250-m split time was also related to total time in the 3- and 4-km IP, although to a lesser extent than in the 1-km TT, whereas the ability to maintain a consistent pacing-profle was of increased importance. There were differences in the pacing strategies of slow and fast performances in the 3- and 4-km IP, with slow perfor- mances characterized by an overly quick start with a concomitant slowing at the fnish. Conclusion: The pacing profles adopted were similar to the optimal pacing strategies proposed in simulation models of cycling performance. However, in the 3-km and 4-km IP small alterations in pacing strategy appear to be important, at the elite level. Keywords: performance, fatigue, energy expenditure In cycling, the power produced by the athlete is primarily used to overcome the air friction and rolling resistance, and to increase the kinetic energy of the rider. 1 However, during high-intensity exercise the capacity to produce and main- tain power output is rapidly diminished. 2,3 Consequently, to enable a sustained high power output during exercise lasting longer than several seconds athletes must adopt a pacing strategy. 4 Pacing strategy has been defned as the conscious or subconscious regulation of work output according to a predetermined plan. 5 It has been suggested that the optimal pacing strategy is one that makes the most effcient use of physical resources during athletic competition, and is essential for optimal exercise performance. 6 However, the pacing strategy might be infuenced The author is with the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, U.K.