Cycling

Specific nutritional concepts and related articles can be found at the bottom of this page.

You will find a compact summary of the nutrition concept for road cycling competitions in our guides Race Nutrition Road Cycling Long and Race Nutrition Road Cycling Short.

Cycling is a classic endurance sport. However, competitive cycling also relies strongly on the anaerobic-lactic acid metabolism, especially for shorter distances like time trial or prologue. Insufficient energy and hydration, and second to this, also lactic acid tolerance are the main performance limiting factors. Recreational athletes require lightweight energy-dense snacks such as bars or sports drinks that can fit into a pocket. Gels, bars and sports drinks are an ideal source of energy for long, intense training sessions and competitions.

LONG ENERGY and COMPETITION® are ideal, well-tolerated sports drinks for competitive sports as they are non-acidic, hypotonic and mild-tasting. For low glycogen trainings to improve fat oxidation the effervescent tablets ELECTROLYTES or the powdered LOW CARB BURNER are the recommended fluid choice. Solid foods such as HIGH ENERGY BAR are recommended for training sessions lasting longer than 3 to 4 hours. For shorter high-intensity races LIQUID ENERGY gels are highly recommended, as they don’t disrupt breathing, nor do they require any chewing.

Cyclists that experience excessive sweating especially during hot weather or have a tendency to develop cramps can benefit from SALT CAPS or MUSCLE RELAX shots. During sprints, the finishing or even the starting phases of the race in which cyclists dramatically increase their intensity, typically a shift to anaerobic metabolism occurs, which can result in lactic acid build-up. A high lactic acid tolerance is thus one of the key factors to success. In this respect, products such as LACTAT BUFFER and BETA ALANINE are especially advantageous to achieve maximum performance during competitions until 30 minutes race time.

SPONSER® also offers highly specialized products, so-called PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZERS. The NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE or RED BEET VINITROX contain nutrients that support nitric oxide (NO) metabolism by dilating blood vessels. As a result, microcirculation is enhanced which positively influences performance but also recovery.

As a further endurance booster it is recommended to use caffeine. Caffeine has been proven to increase endurance performance. It should be taken approx. 30-60 minutes before the desired time of action in the range of 3-5 mg caffeine per kg body weight. Since the reaction to caffeine varies greatly from person to person, the use of Activator with 200 mg caffeine should be tested in different dosages.

To promote recovery, SPONSER® recommends shakes with protein and carbohydrates such as RECOVERY DRINK or PRO RECOVERY. They are based on milk or water and are available in single portion sachets or bigger jars depending on the preference and use.

Athletes that travel often, go to training camps, bigger events or competitions are at higher risk of getting an infection. Multinutrient supplements with immunoactive substances such as IMMUNOGUARD along with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet will strengthen your immune system.