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We investigated the effects of different performance goals (best time vs. beat the opponent) on pacing behaviour during a 10-km cycling race and explored the influence of different performance level of opponents on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective feelings and self-efficacy. Thirteen cyclists performed two time-trials (TT) and two races against a faster (FAST +6%) or a slower (SLOW –3%) virtual opponent. Power output (PO), RPE, affective feelings and self-efficacy were recorded at each kilometer point. Race average and race phases\ud [starting (P1= first kilometer); first half (P2=2nd to 5th km); second half (P3=6th to 9th km) and final sprint (FS=last kilometer)] were analyzed. There was no difference in performance, assessed by race time between conditions (p=0.84). PO during TT was lower in P3 compared to FS (p=0.03; ES 0.6; 90%CI 0.4 to 0.7). In SLOW and FAST, PO was higher in P1 compared to other phases (p

Although used by resistance-trained individuals, it is unknown if increasing muscle strength prior to hypertrophy training leads to greater muscle growth and strength gains. We investigated muscle thickness and maximum strength in 26 resistance-trained men who were randomly assigned to either: STHT, consisted in a 3-week strength-oriented training period (4x1-3 repetition maximum [RM]) prior to a 5-week hypertrophy-oriented period (4x8-12RM), or HT, which comprised an 8-week hypertrophy-oriented training period.