Optimizing Energy Production & Performance for Cyclists
The recent cycling race team and Performance Specific DCR/PCP Meeting featured an educational session from Dr. Richard Cohen, M.D. on energy production, metabolic flexibility, and performance optimization for peak race season for these high level athletes. Topics included:
- Fueling strategies outside of training hours
- Mitochondrial energy production and its importance
- Training fat and carb pathways for metabolic flexibility
- Alternative energy sources: sunlight, cold, and grounding
- Impact of circadian rhythms on energy output
- Supplement strategies featuring Peak ATP and creatine
How and Why Human Energy Production is the Opposite of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis (Anabolic)
Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Plants store energy from sunlight as glucose.
Human Energy Metabolism (Catabolic)
Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
Humans break down glucose with oxygen to release usable energy as ATP.
Conclusion: Humans are the almost exact mirror image of plants—releasing energy instead of storing it!!
What Cyclists Can Learn from This Insane True Inversion
Learning Application for Competitive Cyclists
Now, what does this inversion teach cyclists looking to maximize energy production?
1. Respect the Redox Flow
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Mitochondria are like reverse photosynthesis machines.
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Training that enhances mitochondrial density, flexibility, and efficiency—like Zone 2 endurance training with fewer carbohydrates—increases the capacity to extract energy cleanly from fuel.
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Think of it as tuning your internal “solar panel inverter” to be hyper-efficient.
2. Oxygen Optimization is Key
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Since we depend on oxygen the way plants depend on sunlight, any constraint in oxygen delivery (such as poor breathing mechanics or low capillarization) limits ATP output.
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Altitude training, breath work, and nitric oxide boosting foods all support this.
3. Sunlight Matters!
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Humans aren’t photosynthetic, but circadian cues from light regulate:
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Mitochondrial function
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Hormonal balance
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Redox (electron loss) signaling
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Athletes exposed to early morning sunlight, less blue light at night and grounding (bare feet on natural surfaces where electrons can be accessed and absorbed) show better recovery, energy metabolism/ATP production, and performance.
4. Redox Balance & Recovery
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Athletes tend to chase ATP production but ignore the cost—oxidative stress.
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Learning from photosynthesis (which uses antioxidants to handle reactive oxygen species), athletes benefit from:
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Antioxidant-rich nutrition (colorful fruits and vegetables that contain polyphenols)
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Cold exposure
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Red light therapy
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Adequate sleep
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5. The Chloroplast–Mitochondria Analogy
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In plants, mitochondria and chloroplasts communicate during stress and light transitions.
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In humans, the nervous system and mitochondria similarly coordinate energy output and repair.
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Heart rate variability (HRV), vagal tone, and mindfulness practices can enhance this “bioenergetic dialogue.”
SPARQ: Cellular Energy Amplified
SPARQ is scientifically formulated to support ATP production and enhance endurance. Key ingredients include:
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): Direct ATP supply to fuel strength and endurance
- D-Ribose: Supports ATP synthesis and energy metabolism
- NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Essential for converting nutrients to energy
- Dimethylglycine (DMG): May boost oxygen utilization and reduce fatigue
Together, these compounds increase stamina, improve oxygen flow, and reduce muscle fatigue.
Watch the full interview live recording here!
Author:
Jackie Cruickshank
NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
Certified Toxicity and Detox Specialist