Performance, cardioventilatory and perceptual responses to perceived opponent ability during head‐to‐head cycling competition

We aimed to investigate whether cycling competition influences performance and pacing compared to an individual time trial. The second aim was to determine whether performance is further influenced by deceptive or accurate augmented feedback, delivered as an opponent riding at 2% higher power outputs than a previous competitive time trial. Ventilatory, metabolic and perceptual responses were examined. Twelve male cyclists completed six laboratory sessions: (1) incremental test and familiarisation; (2) baseline 20-min individual time trial; (3-4) time trial against a virtual opponent replicating the baseline performance (CompetitionBSL); and (5-6) augmented feedback trials against an opponent riding at 2% higher power outputs than CompetitionBSL, presented as either Accurate (participants informed of the 2% increase) or Deception (told the opponent may have received an ergogenic aid). Power output, pacing, gas exchange, blood lactate, heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and motivation were recorded. Power output was higher only during Accurate (P = 0.032) compared to Baseline, accompanied by higher perceived exertion and V ̇ C O 2 V̇_CO₂ . Relative to Baseline, no differences were observed in V ̇ O 2 V̇_O₂ , V ̇ E V̇E , heart rate, RER, post-exercise blood lactate concentration, or motivation in any condition. Linear mixed-effects modelling indicated a curvilinear pacing across time, with no differences in pacing curve between conditions. Our findings may indicate that competitive framing, rather than the mere presence of an opponent, influenced performance during fixed-duration cycling time trial.