I occasionally drink Coke after riding as a recovery drink. I don’t really like the drinks sold as recovery drinks. I understand the effects are dubious at best as well.
After a ride I want something cold, refreshing with a good kick of sugar to help me perk up a bit. Coke fits the bill pretty well and provides enough of a boost while I sort out eating something. It helps me “recover” in that it makes me feel better.
Coke isn’t that unhealthy. It is pretty much a small amount of flavouring, sugar and a few other bits and pieces in solution. Not massively different from your average gel, energy drink, fizzy drink. It get’s bad press but mainly because of other associated factors. It contains empty calories but for a pro rider that won’t be much of an issue. It contains less E numbers than an apple but that is another debate.