Nutritional practices of male and female endurance cyclists

The nutritional requirements of the training and competition programmes of elite endurance cyclists are challenging. Notwithstanding the limitations o f dietary survey techniques, studies of high-level male road cyclists provi de important information about nutrient intake and food practices during tr aining and major stage races. Typically, male cyclists undertaking intensiv e training programmes report a high energy intake (greater than or equal to 250 kJ/kg/day) and carbohydrate (CHO) intakes of 8 to 11 g/kg/day. Intakes of protein and micronutrients are likely to meet Recommended Dietary Intak e levels, because of high energy intakes. Data on female cyclists are scarc e. Stage racing poses an increased requirement for energy and CHO, with dai ly energy expenditure often exceeding 25MJ. This must be achieved in the fa ce of practical constraints on the time available for eating, and the suppr ession of appetite after exhausting exercise. However, studies show that ma le cyclists riding for professional teams appear to meet these challenges, with the assistance of their medical/scientific support crews. Current dietary practices during cycle tours appear to favour greater relia nce on pre-stage intake and post-stage recovery meals to achieve nutritiona l goals. Recent reports suggest that current riding tactics interfere with previous practices of consuming substantial amounts of fluid and CHO while cycling. Further study is needed to confirm these practices, and to investi gate whether these or other dietary strategies produce optimal cycling perf ormance. Other issues that should receive attention include dietary practic es of female cyclists, beliefs and practices regarding bodyweight control a mong cyclists, and the use of supplements and sports foods.