Racing Demands for Winning a Grand Tour: Differences and Similarities Between a Female and a Male Winner.
Robert Patrick LambertsAnnemiek van VleutenTom DumoulinLouis DelahaijeTeun van ErpPublished in: International journal of sports physiology and performance (2024)
Both the male and female Grand Tour winners produced very high 20- to 60-minute MMPs, whereas decrements in MMPs were only observed after having burned 75% (female) and 80% (male) of total kilojoules burned during a stage. These are the latest and lowest in MMPs reported in the scientific literature and highlight the importance of durability in combination with excellent climbing and time-trial skills, which are needed to be able to win a Grand Tour.