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From: Donald Ashton
Category: Coach
Date: 9/29/00
Time: 2:43:31 AM
Remote Name: 62.172.222.132
The decrease in performance with age is very dependent on the particular aspect of sport in which you are involved. The greater decrease in performance is associated with highly explosive power and strength aspects rather than with endurance aspects.
As a cycling coach I find that there is very little decrease in performance for veteran time-trialist compared to, say track sprinters. Time trialling generally requires a continuous, steady output of power throughout the event. It is common for veteran competitors to be achieving good times well into their 70s, subject to other health problems. Their pulse rates are often well above that given by the standard 220 - age formula, (often 30-40 beats above that) and the power output during competition is often at around 90% MHR.
Choose you sport carefully and keep going.
D. Ashton -- ABCC coach