Energy supplements

maddmatt

Didn't get much response in the mtb forums so ill try here.
Cycling is my second sport. Which is a shame. Rowing is my main sport and in a bout 3 weeks is the national championships. I was wondering what is the best pre race energy drink or similar. I've tried making a home brew and a few products, but tend to make me sick. So if theres any really good (or bad) items please let me now thanks.

cougie

If you have a decent diet - you don't really need any pre race energy drinks.

As to whats best tho - try a few and see what works for you.

High 5, PSP, Maxim etc etc.....

simbil1

Hearty breakfast 2 hours before. Water as needed up to your warmup. Start on an energy drink once wared up (same drink you will use during the event).
Different things work for different people though. I find if I start on an energy drink too soon it just makes me pee a lot.
The effect of sugar is different when your body is in a resting state - better to have it when your body is in an exercising state I think.

kr1s

I supplement on long rides with PSP22 'energy' and 'go' - I can vouch it works for me but I think preperation is key with a good breakfast then supp as you need it - but we all different and you need to experiment with what works for you

Jez mon

I'd recommend sipping an energy drink on the way there.

As to drinks there is no hard and fast formula. HOWEVER make sure you try the drink before your big day. I tried High 5 Xtreme for the first time in a race, and couldn't stomach the flavour. Fortunately it was only an hours crit. so no real need to drink.

So, i would recommend buying a few sachets of different brands/flavours and trying them out in training. Make sure you make a few efforts, as that will quickly let you know what your body doesn't like to digest.

Sorry I can't recommend just one specific brand but it is impossible to do so. Good luck in the Nationals, but remember that rowers generally train too hard