<b>Hematological and Performance Markers as Predictors of Athletic Success in Mountain Bike athletes</b>

The study examined the relationship between physical performance and biochemical responses in 67 male mountain bike athletes, divided into faster (T1) and slower (T2) groups based on race times. T1 athletes were younger and had lower diastolic blood pressure. Post-race, T1 athletes showed greater improvements in handgrip strength and maintained better jump performance compared to T2 athletes. Both groups experienced significant increases in creatine kinase and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after the race. Athletes with lower handgrip strength and jump performance were more likely to be in the T2 group. The findings suggest that superior handgrip strength, jump performance, and younger age are key factors in achieving faster race times in mountain biking.