Abstract

The effects of β-alanine supplementation on high-intensity cycling performance and capacity have
been evaluated, although the effects on longer duration cycling performance are unclear. Nineteen UK
category 1 male cyclists completed four 20 km cycling time trials, two before and two after supplementation
with either 6.4 g•d-1 β-alanine (n = 10; BA) or a matched placebo (n = 9; P). Performance
time for the 20 km time trial and 1 km split times were recorded. There was no signifi cant effect of
β-alanine supplementation on 20 km time trial performance (BA-pre 1943 ± 129 s; BA-post 1950 ±
147 s; P-pre 1989 ± 106 s; P-post 1986 ± 115 s) or on the performance of each 1 km split. The effect
of β-alanine on 20 km time trial performance was deemed unclear as determined by magnitude based
inferences. Supplementation with 6.4 g•d-1 of β-alanine for 4 weeks did not affect 20 km cycling time
trial performance in well trained male cyclists.