PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT IN ELITE CYCLISTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract:

This study aims to measure the impact of external factors affecting the performances of cyclists on performance improvement. The case study pattern was used in the study as a qualitative research method. The sampling method is convenient sampling, a purposeful sampling technique.

Sample group:

Consisted of 6 athletes aged between 22 and 30 years who have at least 10 years of sports history and are actively engaged in professional sports. Data was collected via a half-structured interview form developed by the researcher. The data obtained by an audio recorder was first transcribed. Findings of the research were analyzed by descriptive and content analysis methods.

As a result of the findings analyzed during the study, the external factors affecting the performance according to cyclists are assessed under the main theme of performance-increasing factors and sub-themes of views related to family factor, economical factors, friendship and social environment and trainer factor.