Effects of Creatine and Carbohydrate Loading on Cycling Time Trial Performance

Introduction Creatine (Cr) and carbohydrate loadings are dietary strategies used to enhance exercise capacity. This study examined the metabolic and performance effects of a combined CR and CHO loading regiment on time trial (TT) cycling bouts. Methods Eighteen well-trained (similar to 65 mLkg(-1)min(-1) VO2peak) men completed three performance trials (PT) that comprised a 120-km cycling TT interspersed with alternating 1- and 4-km sprints (six sprints each) performed every 10 km followed by an inclined ride to fatigue (similar to 90% VO2peak). Subjects were pair matched into either CR-loaded (20 gd(-1) for 5 d + 3 gd(-1) for 9 d) or placebo (PLA) groups (n = 9) after the completion of PT1. All subjects undertook a crossover application of the carbohydrate interventions, consuming either moderate (6 gkg(-1) body mass (BM) per day; MOD) or CHO-loaded (12 gkg(-1) BMd-1; LOAD) diets before PT2 and PT3. Muscle biopsies were taken before PT1, 18 h after PT1, and before both PT2 and PT3. Results No significant differences in overall TT or inclined ride times were observed between intervention groups. PLA + LOAD improved power above baseline (P < 0.05) during the final 1-km sprint, whereas CR + MOD and CR + LOAD improved power (P < 0.05) during the final 4-km sprint. Greater power was achieved with MOD and LOAD compared with baseline with PLA (P < 0.05). CR increased pre-PT BM compared with PLA (+1.54% vs +0.99% from baseline). CR + LOAD facilitated greater [total CR] (P < 0.05 vs baseline) and muscle [glycogen] (P < 0.01 vs baseline and MOD) compared with PLA + LOAD. Mechanistic target of rapamycin decreased from baseline after glycogen depletion (similar to 30%; P < 0.05). Conclusions Power output in the closing sprints of exhaustive TT cycling increased with CR ingestion despite a CR-mediated increase in weight. CR cosupplemented with carbohydrates may therefore be beneficial strategy for late-stage breakaway moments in endurance events.