We’ve already touched on the subject of nutrition for cyclists in a previous blog, but we wanted to look a little closer at what it takes to fuel your body on an epic cycling tour. When spending so much time in the saddle day on day, getting the right nutrition and the right amount of […]
We’ve already touched on the subject of nutrition for cyclists in a previous blog, but we wanted to look a little closer at what it takes to fuel your body on an epic cycling tour. When spending so much time in the saddle day on day, getting the right nutrition and the right amount of calories is vital. This means taking in the right amounts of the right fuel at the right times, whether in the form of bars, gels or energy drink – finishing an epic bike tour takes more than just good legs!
Chimpanzee Bars – Our Nutrition Partners
Chimpanzee are our nutrition partners for our tours and their natural, vegan and gluten free products go down a treat amongst our guests! As the official sponsors of climbers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and skiiers the brand know a thing or two about how to fuel an epic adventure. When you’re in the saddle for days at a time there is nothing worse than having chewy, tasteless bars that you don’t even want to eat and having your ride suffer as a consequence. Nutrition that is tasty as well as effective is key – if your energy bars are a delicious flavour then you’ll be looking forward to eating them. Chimpanzee’s flavours include banana and chocolate, peanut butter, lemon and even cashew caramel, the flavours are so good you’ll be wanting to snack on them whether you’re riding or not! In the hydration department, refreshing grapefruit and lemon flavours make sure you’re keen to quench your thirst and their tasty gels in flavours like forest fruits and piña colada using 100% natural ingredients are both tasty and gentle on the stomach.
Sample Day of Ride Nutrition: Trans Pyrenees
So, let’s have a look at what cycling nutrition for riding Trans Pyrenees actually entails with a sample of what you should be looking to consume during the day.
Ride Stats
- Ride: Bagneres du Luchon – Saint Savin via the Peyresourde, Aspin and Tourmalet
- Distance: 106 km
- Climb: 3,600 m
Breakfast: Eat a combination of protein and slow-release carbohydrates, e.g Oats followed by an omelette.
On The Bike: Make sure you are hydrating fully, even in colder weather, by drinking at least one 500ml bottle every hour. For extra hydration and energy add an isotonic energy powder. Make sure you are replacing lost calories and energy by consuming energy bars and gels at regular intervals. Remember: if you’re feeling hungry or thirsty it’s already too late so preempt that bonk by eating and drinking! If your ride is long enough to overlap with lunch time then a stop for a more substantial refuel at a cafe or restaurant is always a good idea, (or a carefully-prepared roadside lunch, if you’re on an Eat Sleep Cycle tour)!
Recovery: Take a recovery protein drink to promote the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Dinner: Make sure you replenish those resources and take in enough energy for the next day’s ride. Eat plenty of carbohydrates and proteins, staying hydrated is also important you’re on vacation, after all, so a tipple or two won’t hurt…
Fuelled and Ready For Your European Cycling Tour?
To find out more about our European Cycling Tours give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online! We still have some spots available for 2019 and our 2020 calendar is already starting to fill so make sure you contact us asap to save your saddle!
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Photos: Anton Miettinen