Cycling Study: Why did females who ingested protein complain of sore and tired muscles during the sessions?

Woman running on empty: A seriously depleted nutrient base.

The study that is reported below this commentary found that female cyclists suffered discomfort and loss of performance the days after ingesting a mix of protein and carbohydrates following an exhausting endurance cycle as compared to a carbohydrate only intake; whereas their male counterparts in the study had a 4% improvement as compared to men who had the carbohydrate only intake.

Speculation is that the differences in protein digestion and metabolism between the male and female test subjects is probably due to differences in hormonal dominance. While this may well be the case, I tend to think that hormones do not have all that much of an influence. I think the answer is a lot simpler and to do more with the generally poor state of nutrition of many young and not so young women.  This is especially so for women who participate in endurance sports like cycling and running.