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Nutrition and indoor cycling : A cross-sectional analysis of carbohydrate intake for online racing and training
King, Andrew J. Hall, Rebecca C.
King, Andrew J.
Hall, Rebecca C.
Author
Abstract
Cycling is a sport characterised by high training load, and adequate nutrition is essential for training and race performance. With the increased popularity of indoor trainers, cyclists have a unique opportunity to practice and implement key nutritional strategies. This study aimed to assess carbohydrate (CHO) intake of cyclists training or racing in this unique scenario for optimising exercise nutrition. A mixed-methods approach consisting of a multiple-pass self-report food recall and questionnaire was used to determine total CHO intake pre, during and post-training or racing using a stationary trainer and compared with current guidelines for endurance exercise. Sub-analyses were also made for higher ability cyclists (>4 W/kg functional threshold power), races v. non-races and ‘key’ training sessions. Mean CHO intake pre and post-ride was 0·7 (SD 0·6) and 1·0 (SD 0·8) g kg/BM and 39·3 (SD 27·5) g/h during training. CHO intake was not different for races (pre/during/post, P = 0·31, 0·23, 0·18, respectively), ‘key sessions’ (P = 0·26, 0·89, 0·98) or higher ability cyclists (P = 0·26, 0·76, 0·45). The total proportion of cyclists who failed to meet CHO recommendations was higher than those who met guidelines (pre = 79 %, during = 86 %, post = 89 %). Cyclists training or racing indoors do not meet current CHO recommendations for cycling performance. Due to the short and frequently high-intensity nature of some sessions, opportunity for during exercise feeding may be limited or unnecessary.
Keywords
exercise, food, diet, metabolism, stationary cycling, cycling
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
British Journal of Nutrition
Book
Volume
127
Issue
8
Page Range
1204-1213
Article Number
ACU Department
Non-faculty
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Controlled
Open
Open