Carb Timing Doesn’t Matter? What the Research Actually Shows | Tim Podlogar | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 582

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast
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New research by Dr. Tim Podlogar and colleagues could change the way you fuel your training. He joined us to break it down in the latest episode, live now on all podcast platforms!

Thanks for joining us and taking the time to explain the work by you and your colleagues, Tim!

// TOPICS COVERED

(00:00:00) Carb Timing Debate: When Should You Fuel on Long Rides?

(00:01:24) Study Overview: Testing Different Carb Timing Strategies

(00:06:09) The Protocols: Progressive vs Constant vs Front-Loaded Fueling

(00:07:37) Key Result: Carb Timing Didn’t Impact Performance

(00:11:37) Why Real-World Racing Masks Fueling Differences

(00:13:09) Practical Takeaway: Total Carbs Matter More Than Timing

(00:21:28) Do Carbs Spare Glycogen? What the Research Actually Shows

(00:24:50) Why Carb Intake Becomes Critical After ~2–3 Hours

(00:31:10) Real-World Application: How Athletes Should Fuel

(00:36:00) Energy Availability & Underfueling Risks in Endurance Athletes

(00:45:08) Leadville Case Study: Fueling for Long, High-Altitude Races

(00:56:16) Final Takeaways: Stop Overthinking Timing, Focus on Execution

// RESOURCES MENTIONED

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A sort of related topic; processing of collagen requires vitamin C. Does it matter if you eat that orange before you suck down the pre ride coffee/ tea loaded with collagen. Or is it ok to eat it after that morning workout?

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great podcast. thanks for doing the interview.

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@Jonathan Not to be the semantic police, but I believe you are using the term “plastic” when you mean “elastic” a couple times during the podcast. Plastic changes are permanent and do not not revert back to their original state.

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He probably means plasticity in terms of phenotype plasticity or neural plasticity but it’s not the correct use of the word yes

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