On Monday, the UCI did something very unusual. They issued a press release on the issue of ketones, finally weighing in on the supplement that has been causing consternation and conversation in cycling for at least five years, once touted as a performance ‘wonder drink’ and now slightly more doubted.
As the sport’s governing body, which literally writes the rules about everything to do with cycling, it’s not unusual for the UCI to weigh in on what riders and teams are allowed to do. But what was unusual about Monday’s statement was the content of it.
Initial research into ketone supplements – which add to the levels of naturally-occurring ketones in the body – showed they could significantly aid performance and recovery, and even boost EPO response in the body. With these kinds of claims, many were concerned that the product might cross the line into being too performance-enhancing.
Now, since ketones first came to prominence, with many riders adopting their use, the consensus has changed. The efficacy of the product has been questioned in later studies, and some of the teams that used ketones subsequently stopped, finding – of their own accord – that the benefit wasn’t worth it.
Weirdly, it’s on this basis that the UCI has recommended against their use. Not because they…
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