If Glycogen Isn’t the Limiter, Why Do Pros Eat So Many Carbs?

A thoughtful response to the recent Noakes et al. review questioning the role of carbohydrates in endurance performance. We explore why fatigue isn’t caused by running out of muscle glycogen, why blood glucose protection is critical, and why that still doesn’t explain elite fueling strategies. Using recent research and real-world endurance racing, we explain how carbohydrate availability supports mitochondrial throughput, late-race durability, and sustained power — even when glycogen isn’t spared.