Background: In Asian countries, like Malaysia, India, and Thailand, sago (SA) is frequently used as daily food. The use of local daily food as supplements over expensive drinks is cost–effective for athletes. Hence, SA (carbohydrate) could be recommended as affordable nutrition ingestion. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SA, Soy (SO) protein, Sago+Soy (SS) supplementation (combination of carbohydrate and protein), and placebo (PL) during moderate–intensity cycling on subsequent 20–km time trial performance. Materials and Methods: The participants were 12 young male well–trained cyclists from Malaysia. They pedaled at 60% of VO2max for 90 min followed by a 20–km time trial (TT) in the heat. At 20 min intervals during cycling at 60% VO2max, participants consumed either SA, SO, SS, or a PL. The SA, SO, and SS feedings provided 7.5% SA, 7.5% SO, and 7.5% SA+1.5% SO respectively to drink iso–caloric beverages with an estimated energy level ~300 kcal. The average speed and cadence were also recorded during the TT. Results: Time taken for TT for SA, SO, SS, and PL were 42.8±1.8 min, 46.3±2.6 min, 42.7±2.3 min, and 43.2±1.8 min respectively. The TT performance, speed, and cadence of the cyclists did not exhibit any significant differences among the three trials. Conclusion: These data indicated that consumption of sago and soy, and iso–caloric SS (coingestion of sago and soy) during steady–state ride failed to improve the subsequent cycling performance in the heat. Manuscript profile

This review illustrates the impact of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplementation on cycling performance. Strategic nutritional planning greatly benefits endurance athletes, particularly cyclists, as it underscores the critical role of macronutrient consumption in improving on the track/road performance and recovery. CHO is the primary energy source for prolonged cycling, as they are crucial for preserving optimal performance by preventing glycogen depletion and delaying fatigue. The efficacy of CHO is significantly influenced by their glycemic index (GI). High-GI CHO offers a rapid energy source that facilitates muscle glycogen resynthesis and sustained performance. Research suggests that high-GI CHO can increase muscle glycogen levels by up to 40% within four hours, underscoring their significance during and after pedaling. PRO, although not the primary energy source, is essential for synthesizing and repairing muscles, particularly during prolonged and intensive cycling. Incorporating essential amino acids to facilitate recovery is imperative, as they aid in muscle protein synthesis and mitigate muscle fatigue. Recent studies have demonstrated that PRO supplements, especially after pedaling, significantly enhance muscle glycogen and protein synthesis replenishment, leading to quicker recovery and improved performance during cycling sessions. The synergistic benefits of the combined supplementation of CHO and PRO are greater than those of each macronutrient alone. This combination improves endurance, delays fatigue, and ensures more efficient recovery by increasing glycogen storage, accelerating recovery, and enhancing muscle protein synthesis. The optimization of the benefits of these supplements is contingent upon the timing, dosage, and composition. Glycogen replenishment and muscle protein synthesis are optimized by consuming CHO and PRO immediately prior to and following exercise. This is particularly true for high-GI carbohydrates, such as glucose, and swiftly assimilated PRO, such as whey. In conclusion, this review provides practical recommendations for cyclists seeking to optimize their nutritional strategies by synthesizing findings from various studies. Cyclists can enhance their overall performance and achieve long-term athletic success by developing effective dietary plans that improve endurance, defer fatigue, and facilitate efficient recovery, facilitated by understanding the complex interactions between these macronutrients. Manuscript profile