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Adapting cycling nutrition to individual needs and conditions
At AG Insurance – Soudal and Soudal Quick-Step, we understand that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to cycling nutrition. Riders have unique needs that depend on their body composition, training schedules, and environmental conditions. Zoë Overzee, one of our nutritionists, supports our team by developing personalized nutrition strategies that cater to individual preferences and the impact of varying weather conditions.
To optimally support our riders, we collaborate with 6D Sport Nutrition. They provide us with high-quality products that perfectly match the specific needs and performance demands of our athletes. 6D Recovery Shake and 6D Whey Shake are used to optimize muscle recovery after intense training sessions, while 6D Sports Drink and 6D Ultra Drink help maintain energy and hydration balance during long rides and races. Additionally, we use Alce Nero’s nutritional products to prepare delicious and well-balanced meals, tailored to the individual needs of each athlete.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Personalized Strategies for Optimal Performance
Hydration is essential for cyclists, especially during long rides and races. We emphasize that fluid loss and electrolyte concentrations in sweat can vary significantly between riders. By using specialized sweat tests, our team gains insight into the exact amount of fluid and electrolyte loss for each individual under various conditions. These tests measure the amount of sweat per hour and sodium concentration, helping determine the ideal fluid and electrolyte intake.
In warmer conditions, fluid loss generally increases, prompting riders to adjust their hourly fluid intake accordingly. Although sodium loss remains relatively stable, heat acclimatization can influence the required amount of electrolytes. Our electrolyte and hydration strategies are meticulously tailored to environmental factors and the intensity of the effort, ensuring that every rider starts the race optimally hydrated.
A key component of our hydration strategy is the use of 6D Sport Nutrition products, such as 6D Hydro ORS. This versatile 2-in-1 hypotonic sports drink can be used as a low-calorie hydration drink (HYDRO) or as an oral rehydration solution (O.R.S.). Specifically designed to quickly restore fluid balance, even in extreme conditions such as heat or high humidity, this product's flexibility allows our riders to perfectly adjust their hydration to the intensity of their effort and environmental conditions.
During intense races and training sessions, our riders rely on 6D Sports Drink and 6D Ultra Drink, which not only restore hydration balance but also provide essential carbohydrates and electrolytes to maintain energy levels. Additionally, they use 6D Sports Gels and 6D Ultra Gels, which serve as a fast-acting carbohydrate source, helping to delay fatigue and maximize endurance.
Individual Adjustments and Dietary Preferences
In the world of cycling, dietary preferences, food intolerances, and allergies are not uncommon, requiring a personalized approach to nutrition plans. Riders with lactose intolerance, gluten allergies, or other dietary needs receive tailored nutrition strategies. With the support of 6D Sport Nutrition, we offer products that accommodate these intolerances and provide a wide range of options perfectly suited to individual needs, without compromising performance.
Additionally, our collaboration with Alce Nero allows us to create meals that not only meet personal preferences but are also rich in flavor and energy. This ensures that every athlete receives a balanced nutrition plan, tailored to their unique circumstances and performance goals.
Nutrition for Extreme Weather Conditions: Adapting to Heat, Cold, and Humidity
Extreme weather poses unique challenges for riders. For example:
- In hot conditions, the body increases sweat production to cool down, raising the risk of dehydration. In these circumstances, we advise drinking cool water from bottles before and during races to help regulate body temperature. Cool water can not only stabilize internal temperature but also provide a refreshing sensation.
- In cold conditions, sweat-related fluid loss is often less noticeable, but respiratory fluid loss increases, particularly in cold and dry weather. In such situations, we recommend using warm or lukewarm water in bottles. This helps maintain body temperature and prevents unnecessary heat loss.
- In high humidity, the body struggles to evaporate sweat effectively, leading to increased sweat production. Fluid intake is adjusted to match these specific weather conditions, ensuring our riders maintain a consistent fluid balance, which is crucial for endurance and performance. Dehydration can lead to reduced performance, fatigue, and heat-related health risks.
During these extreme conditions, 6D Sport Nutrition products play a crucial role. 6D Sports Drink and 6D Ultra Drink help replenish electrolytes, while 6D Hydro ORS is used for rapid rehydration in hot and humid conditions.
A Personalized Nutrition Plan for Peak Performance
At Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance – Soudal, we believe that nutrition is more than just providing energy; it also forms the foundation for recovery, protection, and success. Thanks to carefully tailored nutrition strategies, adjusted to the unique needs of each athlete, our riders can perform optimally under all conditions.
We combine the expertise of our nutritionists with high-quality products from 6D Sport Nutrition and Alce Nero to provide both functional and flavorful solutions. 6D Sport Nutrition’s products enhance performance and recovery through precise hydration and nutrition solutions, while Alce Nero’s ingredients allow us to prepare balanced meals that align with the personal dietary preferences and conditions of our athletes.
By focusing on factors such as weather conditions, training load, and individual preferences, we ensure that nutrition is not only a vital part of performance but also a powerful tool to overcome the challenges of every race.