Comments on: Hydration in Races

By: tejvan

tejvan — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:57:57 +0000

Pros learn to do it on move, but they are not immune from coming off, not the most dignified kind of crash

By: Mike In Cornwall

Mike In Cornwall — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:51:37 +0000

I agree it is dependent on temperature, your own bodies different daily, weekly and monthly rythyms, and of course, Lady Luck.

In 2008 and 2009 I did London to Paris for charity. Admittedly more by luck than judgement, I managed to balance my fluid intake against perspiration, breathing, temperature, energy expenditure and so on, and found that I was able to manage very comfortably from breakfast to lunch, and lunch to the end of the riding day, without having to stop behind a bush!

I have never managed this in training, and have frequently been caught out – which raises the other question.

Does anyone know a dignified, physically painless way of taking a leak when wearing lycra knee-length bib shorts, a cycling jersey, a waterproof and fluoro gilet??!?!

By: tejvan

tejvan — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:47:07 +0000

It’s a good point. one reason I over-drank in a cold 4 hour race, is that I was relying on my drink for carbs / energy. In this case you can take a few small energy gels (stuff it up sleave or tape to frame) This gives you a greater choice of energy sources.

But, again you don’t want to be not taking enough energy because you’re worried about having to stop.

By: Tacky

Tacky — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:43:06 +0000

I tend to use sports drinks as part of my fuelling during longer races. The problem with this is that on a cold day you need less fluids and then end up taking on less carbs.

Would you recommend separating hydration from fuelling? Maybe just use gels etc and switch the drinks to water.

By: botogol

botogol — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:41:10 +0000

I agree that it’s really hard to judge. In france two weeks I cycled 100km with three friends …. and had to stop four times. Last week I did the Dragon Ride sportive, 115km and stopped only once. I guess the difference is temperature.