A study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise tests the performance potential experienced cyclists might experience from loading and carbohydrate loading.
Eighteen well-trained male cyclists loaded with 20 grams of creatine for 5 days followed by 3 grams for 9 more days. Some received a placebo instead. Then they raced a 120 km time trial with 6 different sprints of 1 to 4 km performed every 10 km followed by an uphill ride to fatigue.
After this intervention, subjects consumed 6 or 12 grams of carbohydrates per kg of body weight before competing in 2 more trials. Creatine and moderate carbohydrate loading improved power, and the larger carbohydrate load improved power in the final 1 km sprint. Creatine and the 12 gram carb load increased powder during 4 km sprints. That could help competitors in their sprint to the finish line.
