2.1. Participants

Nine male recreational cyclists (36.9 ± 6.4 years; 73.1 ± 13.0 kg; 180.0 ± 5.0 cm; maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2MAX) of 54.3 ± 9.3 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; peak power output (W_PEAK) of 333.4 ± 28.6 W) with some experience in cycling time trials (~2 years taking part in regional competitions), participated in this study. This study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, being previously approved by the University of São Paulo’s Ethics Committee (#0023.0.342.000-10). All participants were informed about the experimental procedures, before giving the signature on a written consent form. They were free from cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders or other comorbidities that could affect dependent variables.