Strength Exercise F–v and P–v Profiles as Predictors of Elite Sprint-Cycling Performance

Purpose : Maximal neuromuscular performance is a critical determinant of track sprint-cycling performance. This study investigated the relationships between force–velocity (F–v) and power–velocity (P–v) profiles derived from 5 strength exercises and maximal cycling performance in both seated and standing sprint positions. Methods : Twenty-three elite track sprint cyclists (7 female, 16 male; flying 200 m: 9.5–11.5 s) participated in progressive loading tests involving back squat (BS), front squat, power clean (PC), leg press, and deadlift, in addition to maximal seated and standing acceleration sprints on a velodrome. F–v and P–v profiles were established using linear and nonlinear regression models to calculate maximal force ( F max ), maximal power output ( P max ), and maximal movement velocity ( v max ) for each task performed. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between F max and P max across all strength exercises and cycling positions ( r = .656–.914, P < .05). Partial correlations highlighted F max in the BS, front squat, and deadlift and P max in the PC and leg press as primary contributors, corresponding to intersection points of exercise- and cycling-specific F–v profiles. Multiple-regression analysis identified BS F max and PC P max as the strongest predictors of cycling F max and P max ( R 2 = .694–.964, P ≤ .001). Conversely, v max was not significantly associated with any cycling performance variables. Conclusion : Strength exercises that replicate the kinematic patterns and F–v demands of sprint cycling, particularly BS and PC, are strongly associated with cycling-specific F–v and P–v characteristics, emphasizing that such exercises may enhance the transfer of strength gains to on-bike sprint performance. However, intervention studies are required to confirm causality.