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news
potatosPotatoes as effective as energy gels, finds study
A new study has found that potatoes are as effective as energy gels for fuelling bike rides. Researchers described the finding as a “proof-of-concept” that shows cyclists “may use whole-food sources of carbohydrates as an alternative to commercial products to diversify race-fuelling menus.”
The study, which was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, saw 12 cyclists complete a two hour 'cycling challenge' followed by a time trial.
Some fuelled with potato puree and some with commercial sports gels, while others were just given water.
Time trial performance was equally improved in both the potato and gel groups when compared to those were given only water.
"We found no differences between the performance of cyclists who got their carbohydrates by ingesting potatoes or gels at recommended amounts of about 60 grams per hour during the experiments," said University of Illinois kinesiology and community health professor Nicholas Burd, who led the research, speaking to Science Daily.
"Both groups saw a significant boost in performance that those consuming only water did not achieve."
Consuming concentrated carbohydrate gels during prolonged exercise promotes carbohydrate availability during exercise and consequently improves performance.
Burd said, "Our study aim was to expand and diversify race-fuelling options for athletes and offset flavour fatigue."
The study says: "Potatoes are a promising alternative for athletes because they represent a cost-effective, nutrient-dense and whole-food source of carbohydrates.
"Furthermore, they serve as a savoury race fuel option when compared (with) the high sweetness of (carbohydrate) gels."
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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13 comments
I'm too tight to buy gels. My favourite on sportives is dripping on brown bread. A few slices of that and no energy problems.
Celery is packed with carbs and fibre..
(If looking at health treats).
Did the Reiver with 3 mini pork pies and a couple of peanut butter rolls in my bag
but gels are What The Pros Do!
Nowt wrong with Jelly Babies, they'll get you as far as a £36 box of gels. Or a Jam Sandwich. Or if you're really serious about endurance, go Keto.
Keto is but a dream when you can't stop going in places like Costa and having cakes.
True. Costa is one of the worst places though, it's wall to wall sugar!
I've been buying gels from Home Bargains for 60p or so. In fact I've been buying all my convienent cycling snacks from there. You can get a protein bar for 69p but go in Tesco and buy a brand name one and it'lll be £2+. No doubt on Youtube there'll be a GCN video that tell you that a SiS gel will boost you and increase perfomance.
Alternatively brown bread and jam.
Been riding mostly without caffeine these days as well. Only really use it as stimulant of last resort now.
Wait. Is this sudy saying that a naturally carb heavy food item is good for fuel?! Well, fuck.
Wot, no one already knew that gels, bars and other super-expensive lumps of sugary shoite in a bit of litter are not required since genuine grub is very good at feeding the thrusting parts with go, whislt also being affordable and actually edible?
Why do the fashion victims buy those sugary things at about £275 10s 6d a pound? That's a rhetorical question in that the answer is glaringly obvious albeit uncomfortable for the fashion-victim - so no one need answer, especially in terms of a regurgitation of the advert blurb for super-expensive lumps of sugary shoite.
Meanwhile, I will recommend also the oat.
Cugel
Chips were good enough to fuel the athletic exploits of Alf Tupper, they should be good enough for anybody.
Nothing like a big baked spud down your shorts to keep you warm, dry and fuelled. Can't find the hole to put the straw in.
I cannot wait to stuff my jersey pockets with pierogi.
Don't you think jersey pockets were just made for Jersey Royals?