What Do Tour de France Cyclists Eat?
The Tour de France is one of the most grueling sporting events in the world. Cyclists cover over 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) in just 23 days, and they burn an average of 6,000 calories per day. To fuel their bodies for this incredible feat, cyclists must eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
So, what do Tour de France cyclists eat?
Breakfast
Cyclists typically start their day with a large breakfast that includes plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. This helps to give them the energy they need to get through the day's stage. Some common breakfast foods for cyclists include:
* Oatmeal
* Cereal
* Yogurt
* Fruit
* Toast
* Eggs
* Bacon
Lunch
Lunch is another important meal for cyclists, as it helps them to refuel after the morning's stage and prepare for the afternoon's stage. Cyclists typically eat a sandwich or wrap with plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Some common lunch foods for cyclists include:
* Sandwiches
* Wraps
* Salads
* Soup
* Pasta
Dinner
Dinner is the largest meal of the day for cyclists, and it helps them to recover from the day's stage and prepare for the next day's stage. Cyclists typically eat a large meal that includes plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Some common dinner foods for cyclists include:
* Pasta
* Rice
* Chicken
* Fish
* Vegetables
Snacks
In addition to their three main meals, cyclists also eat snacks throughout the day to help them stay fueled and hydrated. Some common snacks for cyclists include:
* Fruit
* Granola bars
* Energy gels
* Sports drinks
Hydration
Hydration is also very important for cyclists, as they can lose a lot of fluids through sweat. Cyclists should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, including water, sports drinks, and electrolyte drinks.
Supplements
Some cyclists also take supplements to help them improve their performance. Some common supplements for cyclists include:
* Creatine
* Beta-alanine
* Caffeine
Conclusion
The diet of a Tour de France cyclist is carefully planned to provide them with the nutrients they need to perform at their best. Cyclists eat a high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They also drink plenty of fluids and take supplements to help them improve their performance.