Posted on Oct. 10: Symposium to explore nutrition of elite cyclists

Do elite cyclists receive sufficient carbohydrates, protein, fluid and electrolyte requirements for them to perform at their peak?

A panel of internationally respected scientists are hoping to translate the scientific knowledge of training and nutrition for endurance athletes, acquired through controlled scientific experiments, into practical information at a symposium today hosted by McMaster's Department of Kinesiology.

“The symposium is a unique opportunity to listen to a panel of internationally respected scientists give a series of practical overviews on training, nutrition, and ergogenic aids/supplementation for high-level endurance athletics,” says PhD student Douglas Mahoney, a member of the organizing committee.

This free symposium is being held in conjunction with the Road World Cycling Championships this week. It takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Information Technology Building, Room 137.

Panel presentations include:

• Martin Gibala, an exercise physiologist and associate professor in McMaster University's department of kinesiology: “Carbohydrate requirements for elite cyclists”
• Stuart Phillips, associate professor in McMaster's department of kinesiology: “Do elite cyclists need/get enough protein?”
• Asker Jeukendrup, University of Birmingham, England: “Fluid and electrolyte requirements of elite cyclists”
• Mark Tarnopolsky, a clinician-scientist and associate professor in the departments of pediatrics and medicine at McMaster University: “Supplements and ergogenic aids in elite cycling”

Following the panel there will be a roundtable discussion and an opportunity for questions.

A keynote lecture by Asker Jeukendrup will begin at 7:30 p.m. The scientific advisor for Team Rabobank will discuss “Physiological demands of professional cycling: historical perspective and advances in the last century”.

Also read Elite cyclists bulk up on carbs in The Hamilton Spectator.