Originally Posted by Rowan

I tend to agree, although it does depend on how active a rider has been before starting that 2-1/2 hour ride. If they work a physical job -- as I do -- then taking in some calories before or during a ride of that length is more advisable than not. But someone jumping on the bike after working a day at the desk and having had a reasonable lunch should be able to ride that 2-1/2 hours without the need for much else based on the calories readily available in the liver and the muscles.

I have yet to see any top-level cycling athlete take in much than a few sips of water with possibly some dissolved energy powder on a one-hour TT during a grand tour. And this after at least 30 minutes of warm-up on the rollers at the start. They simple don't have time nor need despite going at a high energy output to the point of exhaustion at the finish. I don't think many or any poster here would ride like that.

As to the OP's question... people are entitled, in free countries, to do as they wish. Yes, there are huge misunderstandings out there about weight loss, probably the most outstanding being the simple calories in/calories out equation. But give the big ones a bit of credit, that they are out there trying and improving their fitness levels, when so many aren't.