Potato Ingestion as an Effective Race Fuel Alternative to Improve Cycling Performance in Trained Cyclists

Authors

Amadeo F. Salvador M.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Colleen F. McKenna M.S.,R.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Rafael A. Alamilla B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Ryan Cloud, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Adriana Miltko, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Alex R. Keeble, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Alexander V. Ulanov PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Scott A. Paluska M.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow
Elizabeth Broad PhD, US Olympic CommitteeFollow
Nicholas A. Burd PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, ILFollow

Abstract

Carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion is an established strategy to improve endurance performance. Race fuels should not only sustain performance, but also be readily digested and absorbed and replenish electrolytes. Potatoes are a cost-effective option that fulfills these criteria; however, their impact on endurance performance remains unexamined. PURPOSE: Compare the effects of potato purée (POT) ingestion during endurance cycling on subsequent performance versus commercial CHO gel (GEL) or a control (water, CTL). METHODS: Twelve trained cyclists (31±9y; 71±8kg; VO2max: 61±9mL/kg/min) consumed a standardized breakfast then performed a 2h cycling challenge (60-85%VO2max) followed by a time trial (6kJ/kg body mass) while consuming POT, GEL, or CTL in a randomized-crossover design. POT, GEL and CTL were administered with U-[13C6]glucose for an indirect estimate of gastric emptying rate. Repeated blood samples were collected. RESULTS: Time trial performance significantly improved (P=0.03) with POT (33.0±4.5min) and GEL (33.0±4.2min) versus CTL condition (39.5±7.9min); while POT and GEL conditions (P=1.00) had no difference. Post-challenge, blood glucose concentrations were lower (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Potatoes served as a viable alternative to commercial gels by sustaining performance and blood glucose concentrations during endurance cycling events in trained cyclists.

Recommended Citation

Salvador, Amadeo F. M.S.; McKenna, Colleen F. M.S.,R.D.; Alamilla, Rafael A. B.S.; Cloud, Ryan; Miltko, Adriana; Keeble, Alex R.; Ulanov, Alexander V. PhD; Paluska, Scott A. M.D.; Broad, Elizabeth PhD; and Burd, Nicholas A. PhD (2019) "Potato Ingestion as an Effective Race Fuel Alternative to Improve Cycling Performance in Trained Cyclists," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 11, Article 78.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss11/78