Cyclists Have Used Coca-Cola to Combat Energy Crashes for Decades

For over 100 years, Coca-Cola has been a go-to source of quick energy for cyclists looking to fend off the dreaded 'bonk' — a sudden depletion of energy during rides. Despite advancements in specialized sports nutrition, many cyclists continue to rely on Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola is known for its simplicity and widespread availability, even in remote areas like the Kyrgyzstan Tien-Shen mountains, where competitors in the Silk Road Mountain Race find it accessible. According to Claire Shorenstein, a dietitian, Coca-Cola offers a rapid energy boost due to its high sugar content and caffeine. A can of Coke provides approximately 140 calories, 39 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 milligrams of caffeine, alongside a minor amount of sodium to partially replenish sweat losses.

Cyclists like Tara Seplavy have resorted to Coca-Cola during challenging stages, such as the Tour de France, where traditional water stops were unavailable. Seplavy noted that the sugar and caffeine content in Coca-Cola provides a quick lift, although she experienced a significant energy drop afterward. This highlights the potential downside of a sugar crash if Coca-Cola isn't supplemented with additional nutrients.

Professional cyclists also utilize Coca-Cola. During events like the Tour de France, it's common to see cans passed around among competitors. Dan Chabanov, test editor at Bicycling, recounted his experience during the 2013 Tour de Beauce when Coca-Cola provided the needed energy to finish a stage.

While Coca-Cola is not a complete substitute for specialized sports nutrition products that offer electrolytes and other nutrients, it serves as a temporary measure to bridge energy gaps during rides. Shorenstein suggests drinking flat Coca-Cola to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort caused by carbonation.