Originally Posted by
MoAlpha
There is a reproducible positive effect of simply tasting a sweet solution (and spitting it out) on performance, so immediate effects are likely mediated by the nervous system effectively taking the brakes off in anticipation of the actual metabolic effect.
I think 60-90 seconds is an underestimate for real fueling, since we're talking about gut transport, passage from the capillary circulation of the gut back through the venous system, right heart, lungs and left heart, muscle uptake, and glycolysis, but it's measured in minutes.
I'm okay even it it is just some kind of placebo effect initially. I do know that my stats are not as good if I only use water for times I ride hard. So I'm pretty sure the carbs are replenishing some of the energy I'm expending when at or near anaerobic levels of exertion. And I'm able to push harder and longer on the climbs that I challenge myself on.