CanadianBiker32

Would drinking one can of Energy drink , aka Rock Star, red bull etc, 3 days prior to a big cycling event, 100 miler , 8 hour riding event. would it be bad.
as its only 3 days prior? would it cause problems with hydration etc?

Shimagnolo

Worst Energy Drink | Eat This, Not That

Looigi

Sugar and caffeine are fine IMO, preferably right before and during the event. Other constituents have questionable benefts.

Carbonfiberboy 

Before a big event, taper down to no caffeine at all until the morning of. So no, no Rock Star. It's not bad, it's just not the smartest choice.

Looigi

No caffeine until the morning of, then caffeine the morning of right? Caffeine is a well known and established ergogenic aid. The problem with too much in the days/weeks leading up to an event is that you become inured to its effects and so looses it's benefit during the the event. Even so, if you're accustomed to it, you're much better continuing it than to stop for an event.

There are many lay and scientific articles on it, but here's a decent summary: The facts about caffeine and athletic performance | ACTIVE

Carbonfiberboy 

I'm a coffee drinker, so my practice has been to taper my coffee down over maybe the 10 days prior, down to no coffee for a couple days prior. Then the full caffeine treatment the morning of the event and during the event. If I taper, I don't get a headache or other withdrawal symptoms. YMMV.

wheelinthai

I like RedBull or caffein+ taurine just before a big ride. Not 3 days prior.