Digital training platform, TrainingPeaks, has unveiled a new feature, Fueling Insights, designed to give athletes and coaches clearer visibility into fat and carbohydrate utilisation during power-based cycling sessions. 

This new feature, which is now live for premium users and coaches on the TrainingPeaks web app, enables more personalised and effective fueling plans based on proven metabolic research. 

Developed in collaboration with Dr Iñigo San Millán, physiologist and former Director of Performance at Team UAE Emirates, Fueling Insights applies 1 of 4 metabolic profiles, derived from extensive respiratory exchange rate (RER) lab testing, to each workout. 

It estimates fat and carbohydrate burn based on real-world ride dynamics, gender, and metabolic traits, and is said to provide “one of the most accurate fat and carbohydrate burn estimates you can get outside of the lab”. 

“This methodology is something I started using 20 years ago,” says Dr San Millán. 

“It is what led me to observe that elite cyclists needed significantly more carbohydrates than the guidelines recommended at the time, increasing from 35–55 grams per hour up to 80–100 grams per hour. 

“Ultimately, this led us to push even further, up to 125 grams per hour, as I did with Tadej Pogačar in his first professional year.”

Dirk Friel, co-founder of TrainingPeaks, says this new feature allows coaches and athletes to experiment with high-carbohydrate fueling “in a more informed way” and it “bridges the gap between science and everyday training”. 

“It helps athletes fuel more effectively,” says Mr Friel, “so they can unlock their full potential.”

While currently only available for cycling workouts using a power meter, expansion to other disciplines is already underway. 

For more information about the feature, visit: trainingpeaks.com/coach-blog/introducing-fueling-insights.