Many cycling enthusiasts take part in a Gran Fondo or sportive. Often, a lot of preparation goes into such an event, as you also need to train for it. During these rides, a lot of food and drinks are consumed, but what is the best nutritional approach for such a challenge, and how can you best prepare? This article describes what you should eat and drink to perform optimally during a Gran Fondo or sportive.
Cycling is an ideal sport that can help you lose weight, as you burn a lot of calories while riding. However, despite cycling frequently, you may find it difficult to shed those extra kilos. You might be wondering what you're doing wrong. You're certainly not alone in this. This issue isn't limited to elite athletes looking to lose half a kilo, but also affects individuals who are significantly overweight and want to slim down. With the right adjustments to your diet and training, you can lose those unwanted kilos. Here’s what you need to know:
With the rise of better indoor bike trainers and the development of software like Zwift and BKool, cyclists regularly train on an indoor bike trainer. Not only in winter, when the weather is bad and it gets dark early, but also when time is limited, and going outside is not an option. Virtual cycling has become the norm, and cyclists need to adjust their nutrition and hydration accordingly.
Many elite athletes schedule training sessions without eating beforehand to optimise fat metabolism. In the past, this was referred to as fasted training, but nowadays, other strategies are also used to train with low carbohydrate reserves. The idea behind this approach is to force the muscles to burn fat for longer and at higher intensities, thereby preserving more carbohydrate reserves for the final stages of a ride or race. Elite athletes do this under professional supervision, but can all cyclists benefit from this strategy?
The end of the year is a great time to relax and reflect on your athletic achievements of the past year while enjoying delicious food with friends and family. However, December can also be a challenge when it comes to maintaining your weight. With plenty of food and temptations, it is easy to gain a few extra kilos. While there is nothing wrong with indulging a little, burning off all those extra calories in the new year can take considerable effort.