Eschbach, L. C., Drake, S. M., Boyd, J. C., Whitehead, M. T., Magal, M., & Webster, M. J. (2002). The effect of caffeine ingestion on metabolism and performance during prolonged cycling. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 488.

Trained cyclists (N = 11) performed a 4-h steady state cycling exercise (~55% VO2max) followed by a maximal performance time-trial. Three hours before each ride, Ss ingested either caffeine (6 mg) or a placebo. A small carbohydrate meal was ingested two hours before the exercise. One hour into the ride, Ss were given additional caffeine (3 mg/kgbw) or placebo, and one liter of 6% CHO solution per hour from then to the exercise completion.

It was found that caffeine, when followed by CHO ingestion, before and during exercise, did not alter any physiological measures, substrate utilization, or benefit performance.

Implication. Caffeine does not improve physiological measures or cycling performance when it is combined with CHO ingestion.

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