Lotto-Intermarché experiments with high-carbohydrate nutrition strategy

The Belgian cycling team Lotto-Intermarché is conducting scientific research to enhance rider performance during race finishes and stage races. In collaboration with Ghent University (UGent), the team is investigating whether the current standard guideline of 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour can be exceeded for certain riders.

By consuming large amounts of carbohydrates before a race and maintaining a steady intake of glucose and fructose during competition, riders may be able to use more carbohydrates as an energy source. This approach aims to prevent the body from switching to fat metabolism, which can lead to a drop in performance when carbohydrate stores are depleted.

Trainer Kobe Vermeire noted that the team's riders are already accustomed to high carbohydrate intake during training, and preliminary results suggest significant individual differences. Professor Jan Boone stated that increasing the amount of carbohydrates a rider can absorb and utilize could help them maintain performance levels longer, potentially benefiting both the final hour of a race and recovery for subsequent days.