FUELLING THE GIRO D’ITALIA

In the 2024 Giro d’Italia, riders will cover a total of 3,400 kilometres and nearly 45,000 metres of elevation gain across the 21 stages, with most of that coming in the five mountain stages. Energy demands will be extremely high for all riders throughout the Italian Grand Tour, however these demands will vary depending on the stage. Below demonstrates how the fuelling strategies of a pro cyclist differs depending on the type of stage; flat, mountain or time trial.

MOUNTAIN STAGES

With elevations of upwards of 4000m climbing within a stage means that riders will expend exceedingly high amounts of energy and therefore it is of critical importance to not only ensure riders are well fuelled before these stages with carbohydrates but also to ensure they are maximally fuelling throughout them with the right types of carbohydrate-based products.

Where the climbs are coming thick and fast, the riders will be opting for “easy formats”. The BETA Fuel range was designed specifically for these scenarios, to deliver high amounts of carbohydrates in the optimal carbohydrate ratio of 1:0.8. This allows riders to conveniently fuel as high as 120 grams of carbohydrates per hour during these tough mountain stages.

Example:

FLAT STAGES

Riders will be encouraged to feed more on solid-based foods like the GO Energy Bake and even BETA Fuel Chews. However, as it gets towards the business end of the stage, gels like the GO Isotonic or BETA Fuel, are ideal. The delivery format of these products allows for a quick and easy energy boost that will help keep the riders in the right position towards the front of the bunch. 

The riders will also take on board GO Energy Powder or BETA Fuel 80 Powder, for energy and hydration. 

Example:

TIME TRIALS

Each rider will approach their time trials differently, e.g. riders will have their own individual meal plans for breakfast, pre-race meal and top up snacks. The nature of the TT means that aerodynamics is key, and due to the shorter length of the stage riders will not typically require any additional intake during the race.

Riders usually consume products that are rapidly absorbed, e.g. products like GO Isotonic gels or the BETA Fuel gels will be used in preparation, to top up energy stores in an easy way prior to the start. A number of riders will opt for using the BETA Fuel gel + Nootropic gels 45 minutes before the start of their TT to give them that mental and physical boost.

Example:

RECOVERY BETWEEN STAGES

As soon as the riders cross the line the recovery window begins and the focus quickly shifts to the following days of racing. The sooner the riders start that recovery process the better, as there’s only a short window before the stage starts the next day. This is where having a complete recovery solution in a simple and easy format like REGO Rapid Recovery is essential to helping the team race hard, day after day.

Follow the INEOS Grenadiers Riders during the Giro d’Italia here: https://www.ineosgrenadiers.com/