Optimal Pacing of a Cyclist in a Time Trial Based on Individualized Models of Fatigue and Recovery

This article formulates the optimal pacing of a cyclist on hilly terrain time trials as minimum-time control problem. The maximal power serves time-varying constraint and depends fatigue recovery which are captured via dynamic models proposed early in article. Experimental protocols for identifying individualized parameters detailed results six human subjects shown. In an analytical treatment necessary conditions Pontryagin minimum principle, we show that cyclist’s trial is limited to only four modes all-out, coasting, pedaling at critical power, or constant speed (bang-singular-bang). To determine when switch between these modes, resort numerical solutions programming (DP). One then simulated courses, including Duathlon National Championship Greenville, SC, USA, 2019. DP simulation 24% reduction travel over experimental self-paced subject who competitive amateur cyclist. concludes with description pilot laboratory experiment subject’s was reduced by 3% near-optimal pace communicated her real time.