Cycling Ireland has warned all young cyclists to avoid caffeine supplements after two young athletes fell ill at a race. The competitors were in the 14 and an under 16 categories and became unwell with one of them requiring hospital treatment at the event The Independent is reporting. The statement by Cycling Ireland highlight the risks of inappropriate consumption of caffeinated substances by youth and junior cyclists

Cycling Ireland released a statement on its website titled “Risks of Inappropriate Use of Caffeinated Substances” outlying that athletes under the age of 18 should not be using caffeine supplements.

The statement read, “Caffeine is widely used by the majority of the adult population in various foods and drinks, along with being available in a wide range of sports gels, drinks, powders and in over the counter tablets or capsules.

“While it can be effective in enhancing sports performance in trained athletes at moderate doses, ‘Caffeine Supplementation should not be used as an ergogenic aid in athletes under the age of 18’ according to the Institute of Sport.”

Both athletes are recovering from the incident but parents told The Independent that the two athletes falling ill was “very scary.”

The statement continued that, “While there are a range of performance benefits for adult athletes across many sports in caffeine consumption, there are very serious concerns that are particularly relevant in relation to younger athletes, such as an increased heart rate, an alteration of fine motor control and over-arousal which can have a negative impact on race preparation, recovery and sleep.”

The statement concluded that, “Cycling Ireland would like to emphasise that caffeine supplements should not be used by riders under the age of 18, and should not be included as part of a prize for youth or junior cyclists by race promoters.”

The incident is likely to prompt a debate about the appropriate use of caffeine as a stimulant amongst athletes, especially juniors. The two athletes have recovered but Cycling Ireland released the statements in concern for the welfare of other athletes.