Influence of nitrate supplementation on VO 2 kinetics and endurance of elite cyclists

The present study examined if an elevated nitrate intake would improve VO 2 kinetics, endurance, and repeated sprint capacity in elite endurance athletes. Ten highly trained cyclists (72 ± 4  mL O 2 /kg/min, mean ± standard deviation) underwent testing for VO 2 kinetics (3 × 6 min at 298 ± 28  W ), endurance (120 min preload followed by a 400‐kcal time trial), and repeated sprint capacity (6 × 20 s sprints, recovery 100 s) during two 6‐day periods in randomized order with a daily ingestion of either 0.5 L beetroot ( BR ) juice to increase nitrate levels or a 0.5 L placebo ( PLA ) drink with blackcurrant juice. Plasma NOx (nitrate + nitrite) levels were higher ( P  < 0.01) in BR (147 ± 102 and 159 ± 103  μM after 4 and 6 days of beverage intake, respectively) compared with PLA (41 ± 10 and 40 ± 7  μM ). VO 2 kinetics and exercise economy were the same in BR and PLA . Time‐trial performance was similar with an average completion time of 18:20 and 18:37 min:s in BR and PLA , respectively, with average power outputs of 290 ± 43  W in BR and 285 ± 44  W in PLA . Peak and mean power during repeated sprinting were similar in BR and PLA . In contrast to observations in moderately trained subjects intake of BR juice had no effect on VO 2 kinetics and performance in elite cyclists.