Why is fueling so important?
Your body stores carbohydrates in the form of glycogen – primarily in the muscles and liver. But these stores are limited. During intense workouts or long rides (e.g., > 2 hours), they are often insufficient. Without a regular energy supply along the way, your performance drops noticeably. The famous "hunger spike" is then not far away – a drop in performance that feels like someone is pulling the plug.
Efficient fueling ensures that you…
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…can deliver consistent performance,
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…maintain mental clarity,
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…use and fill your storage better,
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…regenerate faster.
The three phases of fueling
1. Before the trip: Fill up the storage
Goal: Well-filled glycogen stores and stable digestion.
When?
Ideally 2-3 hours before the start.
What?
A high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-fiber meal. Easily digestible, familiar, not too experimental.
Example breakfast before a long tour:
Tip:
If you have little time in the morning (e.g. if you have an early start), a small snack 30-60 minutes before departure helps: half a banana, an energy bar or a rice cake with some honey.
2. While driving: Maintain energy
Goal: Conserve glycogen stores and continuously replenish energy.
When?
By the 60th minute at the latest—better before. Don't wait until you get hungry!
How much?
Depending on intensity and body weight, you should consume approximately 40–90 g of carbohydrates per hour. Trained athletes can consume as much as 100 g or more per hour with exercise.
What?
A mixture of glucose and fructose is ideal, as this allows more carbohydrates to be absorbed per hour.
Examples for 60 g carbohydrates:
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1 energy gel (~25 g) + 1 banana (~25 g) + 500 ml isotonic drink (~10 g)
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2 bars of 30 g carbohydrates each
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3 rice cakes + sports drink
Natural alternatives:
Don’t forget liquid:
Especially in summer, you should plan on drinking 500–1000 ml of water or electrolyte drink per hour – depending on temperature, sweating rate and exertion.
3. After the ride: accelerate regeneration
Goal: Replenish glycogen stores, supply muscles, promote recovery.
Timing:
Within 30 minutes of exercise – use the “Open Window”!
What?
A combination of carbohydrates and protein is ideal in a ratio of 3:1 to 4:1.
Examples of recovery snacks:
Tip:
Salty foods such as nuts or broth also help to balance the electrolyte balance – especially after hot days.
Fueling in competitions
In competition, it's not just fitness that counts – your stomach is too. Therefore, focus on fueling during training so you know what you can tolerate. Many recreational riders forget: the stomach is a muscle that can be trained. Eating and drinking regularly while riding can improve its absorption.
Pro tip: Calculate your needs in advance and prepare your nutrition before the race. The less you make spontaneous decisions, the more stable your race will be.
The most common fueling mistakes
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Not drinking enough.
Even a 2% loss of fluid can noticeably reduce your performance.
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Wait until you're hungry.
If you eat too late, you eat too little – or too much at once.
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Try something unusual.
A new gel or a hard-to-digest breakfast before an event? Not a good idea.
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No focus on regeneration.
Especially on multi-day tours or intensive training blocks, recovery is crucial for your performance the next day.
Conclusion: Fueling is (your) superpower
Those who eat and drink strategically ride longer, faster, and recover better. Whether you're an ambitious recreational cyclist or a racing driver, smart fueling isn't a luxury, but a prerequisite for progress.
Plan your nutrition like you plan your training: systematically, with experimentation during training—and with genuine enjoyment. Because the best fueling only works if you enjoy it.
