title: Characteristics explaining performance in downhill mountain biking.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify physiological, psychological, and skill characteristics that explain performance in downhill (DH) mountain-bike racing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four studies were used to (1) identify factors potentially contributing to DH performance (using an expert focus group), (2) develop and validate a measure of rider skill (using video analysis and expert judge evaluation), (3) evaluate whether physiological, psychological, and skill variables contribute to performance at a DH competition, and (4) test the specific contribution of aerobic capacity to DH performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  STUDY 1 identified aerobic capacity, handgrip endurance, anaerobic power, rider skill, and self-confidence as potentially important for DH. In study 2 the rider-skill measure displayed good interrater reliability. Study 3 found that rider skill and handgrip endurance were significantly related to DH ride time (β=-0.76 and -0.14, respectively; R2=.73), with exploratory analyses suggesting that DH ride time may also be influenced by self-confidence and aerobic capacity. Study 4 confirmed aerobic capacity as an important variable influencing DH performance (for a DH ride, mean oxygen uptake was 49±5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), and 90% of the ride was completed above the 1st ventilatory threshold).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order of importance, rider skill, handgrip endurance, self-confidence, and aerobic capacity were identified as variables influencing DH performance. Practically, this study provides a novel assessment of rider skill that could be used by coaches to monitor training and identify talent. Novel intervention targets to enhance DH performance were also identified, including self-confidence and aerobic capacity.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent, Kent UK.
authors.forename: Joel B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Chidley
authors.forename: Alexandra L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: MacGregor
authors.forename: Caoimhe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Calum A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Arthur
authors.forename: Jamie H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Macdonald
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult