Increased carbohydrate intake in professional cycling

Professional cyclists are now able to ingest and use more carbohydrates than ever before. Over the past decade, the amount of carbohydrate intake has almost doubled, and this has led to improved performance in major cycling events. This is not entirely new information, as studies dating back to 2004 have shown that the combination of glucose and fructose can increase carbohydrate oxidation rates by up to 30%. Athletes have been experimenting with different carbohydrate mixtures and amounts over the years in order to increase their intake. Recent commercial products have also become available that provide high amounts of carbohydrates, allowing athletes to exceed the previous recommended limit of 60 grams per hour. The understanding of carbohydrate intake and its impact on endurance sports performance has evolved over time, and this increased intake has been practiced and recognized by elite cyclists and triathletes for many years.