Changes in desire-goal motivational conflict predict pacing during an endurance cycling time trial

This study examined whether the desire to reduce effort, performance goal value and the conflict between the two motives predicted pace during endurance performance. Fifty participants (25 males, 25 females, M age = 22.10 years; SD = 3.03 years) completed an incrementally difficult sub-maximal cycling task to establish the starting intensity for a subsequent eight kilometre time trial. Following a 30-minute rest, the goal was to complete the time trial as fast as possible, with participants being able to alter their work rate (i.e., watts) throughout. The desire to reduce effort, performance goal value, and time elapsed were measured at baseline and after each kilometre. Results were analysed using multilevel modelling. Within-person changes in performance goal value predicted pace in the expected direction consistently during the time trial. Within-person changes in desire to reduce effort and the desire-goal conflict became increasingly important predictors of pace as the time trial progressed. Potential time-lagged effects of the desire to reduce effort on pace were also observed. The results provide greater understanding of the dynamic relationship between the desire-goal conflict and endurance performance.