Performance Demands of Completing a First Grand Tour: A Case Study from the Giro d’Italia 2025

Authors

  • Aitor Alberdi-Garciandia Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
  • Robert P. Lamberts Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
  • Jordan Santos-Concejero Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Keywords:

power output, external load, intensity distribution, elite cycling

Abstract

N/A

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Author Biographies

Robert P. Lamberts, Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands

Prof. Dr Robert Lamberts is a full professor at the Center of Human Movement Science, Department of Health Science at the University of Groningen and the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG). He developed the LSCT, a sub-maximal cycle test to predict, monitor and fine-tune training in well-trained to elite cyclists. This test and modifications of the LSCT are now widely used with professional cycling as well as many other professional sports ranging from rowing to speed skating and (trail)running. In addition, he enjoys training and coaching high-performance cyclists, including those who compete at the highest levels of mountain biking, cyclocross, and the World Pro Tour. Besides his passion and expertise in applied exercise physiology in high-performance sports, he also has an extensive background in exercise and sports medicine, biomechanics, thermoregulation and fatigue, durability and physiological resilience. He has currently published over 100 scientific articles and three books (chapters), with a current H-index of 33, comprising over 5,000 citations and more than 100,000 reads on ResearchGate.

Jordan Santos-Concejero, Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Currently, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education and Sport (University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU) and Head of ACT Antidoping & Health Control Comittee. Previously, postdoctoral research fellow at the UCT/MRC ESSM (University of Cape Town, South Africa), investigating brain oxygenation during exercise in elite Kenyan runners under professor Timothy David Noakes' supervision. International PhD in exercise physiology with Extraordinary Doctorate Award and degree in Biology with Extraordinary Licentiate award (most distinguished graduate) from the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (Spain).

References

Bell, P. G., Furber, M. J., Van Someren, K. A., Anton-Solanas, A., & Swart, J. (2017). The physiological profile of a multiple Tour de France winning cyclist. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 49(1), 115-123.

Lamberts, R. P., Van Vleuten, A., Dumoulin, T., Delahaije, L., & Van Erp, T. (2024). Racing demands for winning a Grand Tour: differences and similarities between a female and a male winner. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 19(11), 1209-1217.

Muriel, X., Valenzuela, P. L., Mateo-March, M., Pallarés, J. G., Lucia, A., & Barranco-Gil, D. (2021). Physical demands and performance indicators in male professional cyclists during a grand tour: WorldTour versus ProTeam category. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(1), 22-30.

Muriel, X., Mateo-March, M., Valenzuela, P. L., Zabala, M., Lucia, A., Pallarés, J. G., & Barranco-Gil, D. (2022). Durability and repeatability of professional cyclists during a Grand Tour. European Journal of Sport Science, 22(12), 1797-1804.

Padilla, S., Mujika, I., Santisteban, J., Impellizzeri, F. M., & Goiriena, J. J. (2008). Exercise intensity and load during uphill cycling in professional 3-week races. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 102(4), 431-438.

Sanders, D., & Heijboer, M. (2019). Physical demands and power profile of different stage types within a cycling Grand Tour. European Journal of Sport Science, 19(6), 736-744.

Sitko, S., Cirer-Sastre, R., Corbi, F., & López-Laval, I. (2021). Five-minute power-based test to predict maximal oxygen consumption in road cycling. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(1), 9-15.

Van Erp, T., Hoozemans, M., Foster, C., & De Koning, J. J. (2020). Case report: load, intensity, and performance characteristics in multiple grand tours. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 52(4), 868-875.

Published

2026-10-29

How to Cite

Alberdi-Garciandia, A., Lamberts, R. P., & Santos-Concejero, J. (2026). Performance Demands of Completing a First Grand Tour: A Case Study from the Giro d’Italia 2025. Journal of Science and Cycling, 15(2), 12. Retrieved from https://jsc-journal.com/index.php/JSC/article/view/1153