Research summary · Nutrition and energy
Carbohydrate intake and durability in prolonged cycling
A crossover experiment compares two carbohydrate intake rates during four hours of intermittent cycling, followed by a 15-minute time trial.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Randomized double-blind crossover trial
- Journal
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
- Population / context
- Trained male cyclists and triathletes
What the publication reports
Fifteen trained men received 60 or 100 g carbohydrate per hour. Time-trial power declined in both conditions but less with 100 g/hour, with mean power 9 W higher. Muscle glycogen depletion was similar, while whole-body carbohydrate oxidation was better maintained at the higher intake.
Limits and interpretation
The sample was small and male-only, with a laboratory protocol and carbohydrate-rich preparation diet. The findings do not establish an optimal intake for every athlete, event or gastrointestinal tolerance level.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Carbohydrate Intake of 100 vs. 60 g·h⁻¹ During Prolonged Cycling Improves Durability Without Altering Muscle Glycogen Utilization in Male Endurance Athletes
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42841583DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000004180Reader discussion
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