Elite cyclists adopt a strict diet, sometimes incorporating peculiar eating habits. This is due to the high-calorie demand that professional cycling requires, with nutrition playing an increasingly important role in performance optimization.
For example, it is not uncommon for competitors during a Grand Tour to include a bowl of pasta in their breakfast, highlighting the strategic importance of food for the physical demands of the competition.
In his latest YouTube video, Remco Evenepoel shares details about his breakfast routine before a time trial. The recording was made on the morning of the Chrono des Nations, his last race of the season.
Despite being the Time Trial World Champion, Evenepoel had to settle for 2nd place, as he was surpassed by the young British rider Joshua Tarling, who beat him by 13 seconds in the 45km competition.
Breakfast of the Time Trial World Champion
Evenepoel gets his dose of carbohydrates and sugars through “pistolekes” (a type of bread) with jam, banana, and a touch of honey. Additionally, he includes half a liter of Fanta and strips of chicken in his morning meal.
The Time Trial World Champion states that this combination is crucial for his performance: “I’ve been having the same breakfast before time trials since my junior days. Ever since I included these elements, I’ve never lacked energy. That’s why I stick to my ‘pistolekes,’ ” Evenepoel jokes.
Special jam
However, he doesn’t eat just any jam. “It has to be raspberry jam. This isn’t always available as a standard option in a hotel or house, and that’s why my helper often has to look for it in a supermarket,” says Evenepoel, laughing.
Watch the full video: