Skip to main content
Products
Subtotal
£ 0.00
Est. delivery
FREE
Order total
£ 0.00

Please enter a promotion code

Sorry, the coupon code you have entered is invalid or has expired.

Finish

The 7 things you need to fuel a long-distance cycling event

Rob Hobson
Article written by Rob Hobson

Date published 05 July 2023

Find out about the author

Back to article list

Latest articles

The variety of available events has made long-distance cycling accessible to everyone, whatever their ability or fitness level. Whether cycling through Europe or embarking on your first road race, getting your food intake right will give you the stamina and energy you need for training and race day.

🕒 5 min read

Diet basics

There are several things to consider in the run-up to the event. First, if your body is not adequately fuelled, you may struggle to find the energy needed to get you to the finish line.

Second, maintaining a nutritious diet will supply your body with the nutrients required for recovery and other functions such as immunity, which will help you maintain your fitness as the event approaches. Hydration is also crucial.

The steps below will help you define a diet and hydration strategy to follow in the build-up and during the event.

1. Load up on carbs

Carbohydrate is the primary fuel source for endurance events, but the body has a limited capacity to store it as glycogen in muscles and the liver. You can maximise these stores by increasing your carbohydrate intake a few days before the event. This doesn't mean eating more food overall – just readjusting your carbohydrate serving size compared to protein and fat.

High-carbohydrate foods
  • Brown rice
  • Wholemeal pasta
  • Bread
  • Couscous
  • Potatoes

You may want to swap these foods for white varieties the day before the event, if you find they're causing bloating or other gut discomfort.

Finally, resting in the days leading up to your event can help to preserve glycogen stored in the body.

2. Event day fuelling

The food you eat on the day of your event is an excellent way to top up the glycogen stores in your liver. Aim to eat 3-4 hours before you start cycling, and choose something nutritious that is high in carbohydrates – but low in fibre and fat to help aid digestion. You may also want to eat a smaller snack 1-2 hours before you start.

Good pre-race meals
  • Porridge with fruit (berries, banana)
  • Scrambled egg on white toast
  • Weetabix with fruit
  • White Rice or pasta dish
  • Roll or sandwich with light fillings such as ham or banana
  • Baked potato
Good pre-race snacks
  • Creamed rice
  • Crumpet or white toast with jam
  • Sports drink
  • Energy gel (60 mins before race)
  • Fruit smoothie
  • Yoghurt with banana
  • Muesli bar and fruit

If you are nervous before the race, you may find it easier to stick to liquids (sports drinks, smoothies) and fruit rather than solids.

3. Stay hydrated

Aim to start the day in a balanced hydration state: you can judge this by the colour of your pee, which should run clear. If your pee is dark and you're dehydrated, sip water regularly in the time leading up to the race. Sipping water is better than guzzling, which will have you back and forth to the bathroom.

Activ Hydrate pack

Activ Hydrate

Delicious fruit-flavoured electrolyte drink to replenish minerals lost during exercise

  • Replenishes the essential electrolytes sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium
  • Contains 300mg sodium
  • Informed Sport-accredited
Shop now

4. Fuel on the bike

It's important to replenish your glycogen stores regularly to have enough energy to go the distance. Events lasting between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours will require 60g carbohydrate per hour (around 2 energy gels) to help prevent muscle fatigue and maintain performance.

You can prepare a sports drink or consume sports gels to get the necessary carbohydrates when on your bike, but make sure you test them before race day, as they can cause gut upset in some people.

You may prefer solid foods such as bananas, jam sandwiches, fruit cake or malt loaf, but these can be a little trickier to eat when cycling.

Elite Energy Gel Mixed Pack

Energy Gel – Mixed Pack

Carb and electrolyte boost developed with British Cycling

  • Delivers fast-acting energy
  • 25g fast-acting carbs and 3 electrolytes
  • Apple & Blackcurrant, Citrus Fruit and Passion Fruit flavours
Shop now

5. Listen to your body

It's vital to pace yourself during your first long-distance race, and to listen to your body. Pushing too hard at the beginning of the race can deplete your energy stores. By contrast, a steady pace can help you manage your on-bike fuelling more effectively.

Understand your hunger cues to know when to refuel during the race, and avoid becoming completely depleted before taking on more food.

6. Don't forget recovery

Nutrition is still a priority once you finish your event, as it's important for recovery. Aim to eat a snack or small meal containing carbohydrates and protein as soon as possible, as this will help replenish your glycogen stores and aid muscle recovery.

This could be something simple like a chocolate milk drink or a protein shake with added carbohydrates (the weight gain variety.)

After completing your long-distance bike ride, prioritise recovery nutrition. Consume a meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein within 30-60 minutes of finishing your ride. This will aid in muscle repair and glycogen replenishment.

Within two hours, aim to eat a balanced meal with lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables; spaghetti Bolognese or chilli with rice are good examples.

7. Keep it simple

Fuelling your first long-distance race doesn't need to be complicated. Just think about the meals and snacks you need before, during and after the event to keep you adequately fuelled and to help your body to repair afterwards. With this plan in place you'll be able to approach the event with the confidence that you'll make it fine to the finish.

Like this article? Share it!

Rob Hobson

About Rob Hobson

Rob Hobson MSc RNutr is an award-winning registered nutritionist (AFN) and sports nutritionist (SENR) with over 15 years of experience. He founded London-based consultancy RH Nutrition, and has degrees in nutrition, public health nutrition and sports nutrition.

robhobson.co.uk