Performance following prolonged sub-maximal cycling at optimal versus freely chosen pedal rate

It was tested whether cyclists perform better during all-out cycling following prolonged cycling at the pedal rate resulting in minimum oxygen uptake (VO₂), i.e. the energetically optimal pedal rate (OPR) rather than at the freely chosen pedal rate (FCPR). Nine trained cyclists cycled at 180 W to determine individual OPR and FCPR. Baseline performance was determined by measuring mean power output (W_5min) and peak VO₂ during 5-min all-out cycling at FCPR. Subsequently, on two separate days, the cyclists cycled 2.5 h at 180 W at OPR and FCPR, with each bout followed by a 5-min all-out trial. FCPR was higher (P < 0.05) than OPR at 180 W (95 ± 7 and 73 ± 11 rpm, respectively). During the prolonged cycling, VO₂, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were 7-9% higher (P < 0.05) at FCPR than at OPR and increased (P < 0.05) 2-21% over time. During all-out cycling following prolonged cycling at OPR and FCPR, W_5min was 8 and 10% lower (P < 0.05) than at baseline, respectively. Peak VO₂ was lower (P < 0.05) than at baseline only after FCPR. The all-out trial power output was reduced following 2.5 h of cycling at 180 W at both OPR and FCPR. However, this aspect of performance was similar between the two pedal rates, despite a higher physiological load (i.e. VO₂, HR, and RPE) at FCPR during prolonged cycling. Still, a reduced peak VO₂ only occurred after cycling at FCPR. Therefore, during prolonged sub-maximal cycling, OPR is at least as advantageous as FCPR for performance optimization in subsequent all-out cycling.