That's why athletes have to eat potatoes before they race

Trained riders who were given 60g carbs of potatoes every hour concluded an experimental race six minutes faster than those who drank only water.

Our aim of the study was to expand and diversify the options of “the contestary” competition for athletes and compensate for the fatigue”, said the lead researcher, Prof. Nicholas Burd.

During intensive training, the body requires carbohydrates because it is considered the most efficient transferer of energy to muscles compared with proteins and fat.

The potato pures and carbs gel markedly faster, taking 33 minutes to reach the finish, compared to 39 of the water - consuming group.

Researchers found that those who wielded potatoes and carbs gels had higher glucose concentrations in their blood, indicating that their body is keeping sugar in their blood.

They also had high concentrations of blood lactate, which delay muscle fatigue and therefore is a master of higher performance, according to scientists.

Researchers did not test the effects of French fries or other potato - based products by athletes.