Is creatine useful for cyclists? Original paper

In this randomized controlled trial in professional cyclists, short-term supplementation with creatine during a training camp did not improve exercise performance or recovery.

Whether short-term supplementation with creatine improves performance in professional cyclists.

The outcomes assessed were cycling performance (10-second sprint; 3-minute, 6-minute, and 12-minute time trials; and power output), countermovement jump height, fatigue, and body composition.

23 male professional cyclists (average age of 19; average VO₂max of 73 mL/kg/min).

In this 6-day randomized controlled trial, the participants attended a training camp and consumed a recovery drink daily. In one group, the recovery drink contained 20 grams of creatine monohydrate, and in the other group the drink did not contain creatine (the control).

Dietary intake was assessed during the training camp using a 2-day food journal. Every morning, the participants performed 3 countermovement jumps and filled out the the Hooper index, which provides a score based on the individual’s perceived sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness. The day before and after the training camp, the participants performed a 10-second all-out sprint, followed by the 3-minute, 6-minute, and 12-minute time trials; each test was separated by 30 minutes of passive recovery.

There were no differences between groups.