caffeine has it's benefits for competition. i don't normally drink caffeine(kicked the habit in 2nd year). only once and a while just for the taste.
i take caffeine tablets once in a while to give me endurance when i need it.(not for everyday use). it shaved off 5 minutes off my grouse grind time in a week. tricks your body into thinking it's not tired.
my hero john berardi can explain better.