Stevie is definitely the most knowledgeable pro tour writer I know and he’s here with a fantastic overall preview of what’s to come in the Giro d’Italia. Things kick off tomorrow morning at 9:40AM EST and be sure to check out the stage previews and live blogging coverage for the entire tour over at...
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If you don’t already know about The Roar, let me introduce you to a fantastic opinion based source for pro cycling articles. The Roar is Australia’s leading sports opinion website, combining expert columnists with edited fan-written sports articles….and I just so happen to be their new cycling editor. If you know me, you’ll know that I wouldn’t get...
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It’s a loaded question, but who do you feel is the Greatest Cyclist of All Time…and why? Labelling someone the Greatest was not something I was willing to do on my own, so I left this one up to a panel of expert judges to do it for me. Here’s a look at who...
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As many of you will remember I spent a week in July at Le Tour with @SteamyWynndows & @AndyMWild and as a result of that trip, ended up the proud owner of a limited edition Team Sky jersey signed by the riders. Since returning from the Tour I’ve been determined to make that Sky...
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We don’t specialize in cycling races, cycling technology, or cycling training…so why should a Pro Cyclist be a loyal reader of Loving the Bike? Or why should any cyclist, for that matter? In a word, Lifestyle. Other than the fact that all of us cyclists (whether you’re pro, bmx, commuter, road, recumbent, amateur, mtb,...
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After the recent article here at LovingTheBike regarding the cleaning of your cycle helmet, I realised that I’d had my one and only bike helmet for about 5 years and maybe I was due for an upgrade. I used lots of reasons in my head to justify a new helmet but essentially it was...
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This morning I took part in a group ride with Mark Cavendish at the Redbridge Cycle Centre near Ilford in East London. I was lucky enough to win a place after entering a Facebook competition run by Holiday Inn who are the official hotel sponsors of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The day...
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As the nights draw in and winter nears in the northern hemisphere it’s time to put away #1 and tuck her in until spring. For some this means getting out the winter bike and when the weather permits, for others it means releasing their inner crazy and race Cross! This weekend saw the third...
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As LovingTheBike’s designated UK dude I’m really excited about today’s article and the news we are spreading. Although WyndyMilla is a UK based company, their influence is spreading across the globe quicker than Magnus Backstedt can crack a bottom bracket and they are doing some great things in the Pro Peloton as well as...
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You’ve probably noticed a lot of cyclists out there with these wicked big calves. They look great and give an impression of pure strength, but do they contribute to providing more power and speed on the bike? My buddy/blog mentor, Wade over at Cycling Tips is one of these dudes with killer calves, and...
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Wow! What a month it has been in the world of professional bike racing. In an attempt to keep those post-Tour blues at bay for one more day I thought I’d share the last set of photos and videos from my time at this years Tour…. all the way back in the first week...
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Today’s post is a collaborative effort with my friend Victor from Bicycle Lab. In our Cycling 360 podcasts, I call him “The Guru” and it’s for good reason….this dude knows absolutely everything about the bike. So for Make it Happen Monday, we’re here to tell you about Going Pro…in all areas of your life....
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Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride. For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am. I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier. My rides are 1.5-2 hours. Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all? What do you think?
Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved. The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all. And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.
Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.
My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon). Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods. The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants. The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.
Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water. These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.
And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.
During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well. With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!
