Balancing training and recovery: Effects of seasonal variations in training load on athletic performance across a year

The aim is to investigate the effect of seasonal variations in training load on intense endurance performance and physiological variables in elite athletes. This is a longitudinal observational study that studies the effects of seasonal variations in training load on intense endurance performance and antioxidant and micronutrient status as well as substrate utilization. 48 elite athletes competing in intense endurance sports, such as track cycling will be monitored over one-year where they three/four times report to the laboratory for assessment of performance and exercise capacity. A diverse array of measurements will be performed to provide an understanding of the variations and the mechanisms affecting performance and subsequently this will be used to optimize training and adaptations.