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Science is at the heart of what TrainerRoad does, and that means evaluating the latest research. Whether it’s creating new training plans or preparing for deep dives on the Ask A Cycling Coach podcast, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge that will make you faster. With some practice, anyone can critically analyze scientific research, and Amber Pierce has some tips to help you get started.

Exogenous ketone esters are a hot topic in cycling. In our second conversation with Dr. Chiel Poffe, we learn about his research into using ketone esters to benefit recovery from high-volume training.

If you’ve been paying attention to professional cycling over the last few seasons, you’ve probably heard talk of ketone esters. Can this substance improve performance? And if so, how?

We know that the quantity of carbohydrates ingested after exercise impacts the replenishment of glycogen stores, but what about the type of carbohydrates ingested? Does ingesting glucose and fructose, as opposed to just glucose, impact subsequent endurance performance? The Science of Getting Faster Podcast dives into the research with Dr. Tim Podlogar on the effects of co-ingesting fructose and glucose, to see if there are any performance benefits for cyclists.

Heat adversely affects the body’s ability to do work, but strategic utilization of heat in a training regimen can facilitate performance increases. Dr. Chris Minson, one of the leading experts and researchers on this topic, explains how heat training can improve your performance and offers tips on how to prepare for events in hot conditions.