Reader buzz on post-ride caffeine, more props to Pic and Wicks

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More on Tina
Editor,

Eddie Winkler has it on the nose (in the Nov. 11 Mailbag). I’ve watched Tina Pic win at the Chris Thater Memorial in Binghamton, New York.

She has totally dominated whenever I’ve seen her (three times, as I recall), lapping the field, one time on her own without anyone pushing her. It had to be disheartening for the rest of the riders — kind of like an old bassett hound chasing a rabbit.

Year after year she is consistently outstanding.
Tom Smith,
Ithaca, New York

Whadateam!
Editor,

I just read that Popo is also going to Astana!

That will make for a really powerful and possibly unbeatable team in 2009. I can’t remember the last time there was so much confirmed talent on one team. If Lance rides the 2009 Tour (and why would he not unless he is forced by ASI not to) Astana now has five of their nine team slots filled!! They will be able to dominate in the mountains and the TTT!

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Bill Levey,
Reisterstown, Maryland

Wix words
Editor,

re: Barry Wicks’ columns.

Just a thank you for putting such a hilarious guy in your web site. He truly makes me laugh.
Makes me wish I had the time to do ‘cross.
George Mastrogiannis,
Sunnyside, Queens, New York

Caffeine Theory
Editor,

Re: Monique Ryan’s column about post-ride caffeine

What I didn’t see mentioned in this caffeine study was the reason it actually worked.

Caffeine is an insulin inhibitor, so in non-diabetic athletes, caffeine intake in volumes that shock the system (not just a standard cup of coffee) cause the insulin released in the body to be dramatically increased to maintain blood sugar control during post-rideeating.

This extra insulin is unquestionably beneficial to ‘re-fueling’ and taking advantage of hormones like growth hormone. The key with caffeine is that it allows more insulin into the system without over-feeding.

I assume the same effects would be available to those who could increase their insulin levels using other methods: diabetic athletes taking extra insulin (proven), finding a controllable method to increase adrenalin production (certainly untested, probably undesirable), or taking a preponderance of vitamin C (less effective than caffeine, add digestive trouble in cases).

An understanding of the endocrine system allows us to see the mechanisms behind tricks like this so we can adapt them to different situations and avoid or minimize negative effects.

Talk to your local diabetic athlete: their experience in dealing with blood sugar control can be helpful to those looking to maximize their physical potential.
Patrick Barter,
Hanover, New Hampshire

More on post-ride caffeine
Editor,

In the following paragraph (in Monique Ryan’s column) , replace “caffeine” with (pick a banned substance of your choice).

Blood glucose and blood insulin levels were also higher with the caffeine and carbohydrate test dose, and glucose transport into the muscle may also have been enhanced with the caffeine. “There was a more available pool of glucose and the caffeine may have tricked the glucose into entering the cell,” said Hawley. “Essentially it put more gas or petrol back in the engine.”

Yes, I know I’m playing with fire for even raising this question. But with caffeine established as a performance enhancing drug, what is the difference, in principle, between it and an already banned stimulant or recovery agent? Other than the fact that coffee, tea, cola and so on are a part of our everyday lives — and the thought of depriving riders of their morning brew is nuts.

Consistency says caffeine belongs on the WADA banned list, even if the dose-response curve needs to be figured out.

The flag bearer of caffeine, Jittery Joe’s, is struggling as is. Good luck to “team socially acceptable performance enhancing drug.”
John Kominek,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Canadian Cyclists of the Year
Editor,

In the poll for North American cyclist of the year, and for domestic cyclist of the year why was Svein Tuft not included in the options. He is certainly a candidate having won Canadian TT champ, Olympic debut placing seventh in the TT and second at the worlds TT.

Not to mention victory at Tour de Beuce and a scores of other races. As far as greatest accomplishments for the situation he is in (ie: not yet racing pro in Europe, will be changed next season) he has made the greatest.

Perhaps a Canadian Cyclist of the Year poll is in order?
Cuylar Conly,
Grasswood, Saskatchewan, Canada

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the poll idea, Cuylar. It’s on the site now.

Kudos to Clear Channel
Editor,

Recently (in the Nov. 11 Mailbag) Apollo Anderson mentioned Clear Channel’s talk radio hosts statements denigrating cyclists.

I think all should know that on at least one Clear Channel station, there exists a talk radio host who champions cycling. His show is even called the Kim West Radio Cycling Show.

It also is available as a podcast. Kudos to Clear Channel for this bit of sanity.
Kent Geffe,
Marshalltown, Iowa

FILED UNDER: Mailbag