Are potatoes good for cycling?

This question is about Cycling

Sarah Achleithner

Yes, potatoes can be a good fuel source for cycling. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates (the preferred fuel source for working muscles), are easily digested, and offer similar performance improvements to sports gels [

1

]. Potatoes can be a viable, whole-food alternative to the ingestion of gels during training and competition, and can help top-off and replete carbohydrate stores pre- and post-workout [

1

]. Potatoes are also a rich source of potassium and when consumed after a long ride, can help replenish potassium lost through sweat.

Roasted potatoes sprinkled with rosemary, in a white bowl

[1] Salvador, A.F., McKenna, C.F., Alamilla, R.A, et. al. (2019). Potato ingestion is as effective as carbohydrate gels to support prolonged cycling performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 127(6), 1651-1659.

https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00567.2019

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