This question is about Nutrition and Cycling
No, the keto diet is not as effective as higher carbohydrate eating approaches for cycling performance [1]
The keto diet is a high fat, very low carbohydrate diet, where carbohydrate intake is typically restricted to 30-50g per day. Glucose is the preferred fuel for working muscles, and cyclists following a keto diet have less glucose available to fuel high-intensity exercise and increased oxygen demands. Consequently, research suggests that keto negatively impairs maximal performance [2]
However, if you’re cycling below maximum effort, the ketogenic diet may be less detrimental to your performance. A multi-study review found keto-adapted endurance athletes were able to maintain moderate-to-vigorous intensity endurance exercise while adhering to a keto diet [3]
[1] Kerksick, C.M., Wilborn, C.D., Roberts, M.D. et al. ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y
[2] Burke, L. M., Sharma, A. P., Heikura, I. A., Forbes, S. F., Holloway, M., McKay, A., Bone, J. L., Leckey, J. J., Welvaert, M., & Ross, M. L. (2020). Crisis of confidence averted: Impairment of exercise economy and performance in elite race walkers by ketogenic low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diet is reproducible. PloS one, 15(6), e0234027. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234027
[3] McSwiney FT, Doyle L, Plews DJ, Zinn C. Impact Of Ketogenic Diet On Athletes: Current Insights. Open Access J Sports Med. 2019;10:171-183, https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S180409