14/10/2026
to After 24 hours of very low carbohydrate, well-trained female cyclists produced less power at their first threshold and were less efficient, while the upper threshold held.
The low-carb condition was extreme (1 g/kg or less), so this is not a normal training day, and nine riders is a small group.
The useful point for coaches and athletes: if you turn up to a session or a test under-fuelled, your zones may not be where you think they are.
You can learn more about your zones & fuelling needs with one of bike tests... you can even use your own bike! Head to www.athletelab.uk to learn more.