"They’re not some magic potion” - Visma's Mathieu Heijboer plays down his team's use of controversial ketones

Ketones. They are a big talking point in the cycling world at the moment. Controversial for their perceived benefits and seen as something of a grey-area in the peloton. Team Visma | Lease a Bike are one of the teams that use them although sports directory Mathieu Heijboer is keen to play down their importance.

“Ketones have been in a shadow from the very beginning, more than 10 years ago," begins Heijboer's assessment of the controversial performance enhancer in conversation with Velo. “Because some teams don’t use them, it’s made what people think is this ‘grey area’. But it’s all artificial. Why this ‘grey area’ when ketones are allowed?"

Does using ketones actually ensure a significant benefit though? The general consensus is that ketones are seen as something of a legalised super-boost for riders. Heijboer though isn't so sure. “People seem to think they’re some wonder supplement that completely change performance,” he explains. “But no, they’re not some magic potion.”

“I’d guess 80 percent of the pro peloton is using ketones now. We’ve always been transparent about using them, even as far back as 2019. But a lot of other teams are not. Even now so many people use them, there’s still this suspicion and sense they’re wrong,” Heijboer continues. “It’s in everyone’s interest to be transparent about ketones given they’re becoming more and more popular. The less honesty there is, the worse the image becomes.”

Although both WADA and the UCI have not officially prohibited the use of ketones, their stance one the product is one of "does not recommend”.