In other words, higher blood sugar levels for longer periods of time. This is also why coffee is popular among students. The brain functions exclusively on glucose, and higher blood sugar levels facilitate thinking. The most popular effect of caffeine is not physical, but mental. This stimulation, in the form of motivation, can be an advantage to an occasionally undermotivated athlete but be careful not to become too hyper before a race or ride.
Excess stimulation can impair the ability to ride safely and intelligently.
The amount and type of caffeine consumed are significant determinants of its effectiveness. There are large qualitative differences between coffees, even though the total amount of caffeine might be similar. Better coffees are lower in acid, higher in caffeine and have a longer lasting effect. Ground coffees are generally preferable to canned or instant. Diet sodas are a good choice because of their fluid to caffeine ratio, taste, and lack of sugar.