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How Healthspan Elite make the best energy gels for cyclists, the story of their partnership with British Cycling and how cycling gels can help your fitness regime.
Nutrition and sport have long been interlinked to help athletes get the most out of exercise, which is why we, Healthspan Elite, work with many top sports teams and associations across a variety of disciplines.
These partnerships help us bring expert advice together for a wider audience, letting us combine joint expertise to create the highest-quality products, focusing on performance by understanding what athletes need.
In this article, we discuss cycling gels, highlight some of the best energy gels for cycling, and outline how Healthspan's partnership with British Cycling has helped create excellent gels to enhance endurance and performance. Read on to discover how Healthspan Elite and British Cycling worked together to make the best energy gels for cyclists.
What are Cycling Gels?
Cycling gels are easily digestible carbohydrates specifically designed to provide rapid energy, helping to maintain performance when natural glycogen levels begin to dip. They are particularly useful for cyclists to help them get over a hunger flat or 'bonk', where blood glucose levels drop too low for them to pedal effectively.
An energy gel can be taken without water when riding, and provides a 25g hit of carbs in a 2:1 maltodextrose: fructose ratio. It’s best to take an energy gel around 60 to 90 minutes into a ride because it’s important to replenish energy levels before they deplete. For longer rides, you may need to take up to 3 gels per hour to keep your energy levels up.
For more information, check out Former British Cycling Nutritionist Nigel Mitchell's deep dive into energy gels.
How Long Do Gels Take To Kick In?
Gels for cycling are effective because of their rapid action. Once consumed, the carbohydrates in an energy gel can be quickly absorbed, providing an energy boost within 5 to 15 minutes.
Because of their efficiency, these gels can become an excellent option for improving fitness, as can electrolyte supplements and protein bars. The precise timing can vary slightly depending on individual metabolism and the specific formulation of the gel.
What are the Best Energy Gels for Cycling?
Studies show that energy gels for cycling elevate blood glucose levels, enhancing subsequent performance. Frequent ingestion of these gels further improves performance. Identifying the best energy gels for cycling comes down to effectiveness, palatability, and individual tolerance. High-quality energy gels for cycling should deliver a fast and sustained carbohydrate supply with different sugars like maltodextrin and fructose to maximise energy delivery.
Some of the best energy gels we provide for cycling include citrus fruit energy gels, apple and blackcurrant energy gels, and passionfruit energy gels. These gels combine delicious natural fruit flavours with fast-acting carbohydrates to improve performance and keep you energised for longer. These are only some of the best energy gels available. Finding energy gels that seamlessly fit into your cycling and fitness routine is important, so don't be afraid to experiment with different formulas and brands until you find one that works for you.
Elite Energy Gel – Mixed Pack
Fast-acting dual-source carbs
- 25g dual-source, fast-acting carbs
- 2:1 maltodextrose:fructose ratio
- Natural fruit flavours and pectin for easier digestion
- Added electrolytes to support hydration
The History of British Cycling and Healthspan Elite
Healthspan Elite has been supplementing the health and performance needs of the Great Britain Cycling Team since 2016, providing them with products such as caffeine gum, collagen and multivitamins: products formulated by experts using Healthspan's 25 years+ of nutrition experience, and batch-tested and Informed Sport-approved to be safe for competing athletes.
At the beginning of 2021, the partnership became official: Healthspan Elite was designated the Official Sports Nutrition Partner to British Cycling, meaning British Cycling's riders rely on Healthspan Elite for all their sports nutrition needs.
After announcing their partnership, Healthspan Elite began working with British Cycling to create a range of energy gels for the athletes to use in training and competition. The British Cycling team taste-tested the gels before launch, as making sure the gels tasted great was a priority for the partners.
Georgina Impson Davey, British Cycling Nutritionist
“We were really pleased with the Healthspan Elite Energy Gels and happy to be a part of the development process. The mixed carbohydrate ratio that they include is great because it allows for more absorption during longer rides and races. The taste and palatability of the gels have been exceptional, and we've had some really great rider feedback.”
Milly Tanner, GB Track Cyclist
“The energy gels I think really do give you that edge and allow you just to feel ready… in my position in the team sprint I need to be on my game, I need to be reactive, alert, ready to go.”
How did Healthspan Elite Create Some of the Best Energy Gels for Cycling?
Healthspan Elite uses natural pectin in the energy gels for easier digestion and a more fluid and light consistency. This means you can easily consume the gels without water when in the saddle. They also contain added electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium) to replace those lost during exercise.
With a focus on clean and natural energy, these gels use natural fruit flavours and have no unnecessary ingredients, added sugar, or artificial flavours or sweeteners.