Gran Fondo Strade Bianche: the supplementation plan to ride into the legend at your best

Participating in the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche means pushing yourself to the limit.

With dirt roads, tough climbs and a relentlessly hard route, every detail of your pre-race preparation (as well as the training’s one) counts – including supplementation.

To support cyclists and enthusiasts gearing up for the tenth anniversary of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, our team has crafted a supplementation plan with Cetilar® Nutrition products that ensures the right energy, optimal hydration and rapid recovery.

Here’s how to manage supplementation before, during, and after the race to perform at your peak on every stretch of this legendary route:

1. Before the race: to prepare your body for the challenge
2. During the race: to maintain a steady pace with the right supplementation
3. After the race: to recover effectively and get back on track quickly
4. The winning strategy for tackling the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche

Before the race: to prepare your body for the challenge

Preparation begins even before the start. Ensuring your body has the right energy reserves and is well-hydrated is essential for facing the race in top form.

• 1 sachet of UltraRace Carb + 1 stick of Hydrate Fast, dissolved in at least 650 ml of water;
• Drink 200 ml every 20 minutes to enhance athletic performance with carbohydrate intake and maintain optimal hydration levels.

During the race: to maintain a steady pace with the right supplementation

Lasting an average of 3 to 4 hours, the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche demands a continuous supply of energy to maintain performance and prevent sudden drops.

The goal is to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates every hour; for a trained athlete, this translates to around 90-100 g of carbohydrates per hour. A potential supplementation plan might look like this:

• 2 x 500 ml bottles with ½ sachet of Race Carb + one stick of Hydrate Fast;
• 1 UltraRace Carb Gel, 1 Energy Race Bar, 1-2 Race Carb Gel for additional carbohydrate supplementation, ensuring a constant distribution of energy throughout the route.

After the race: to recover effectively and get back on track quickly

Recovery is a crucial aspect of performance. Quickly replenishing lost nutrients helps reduce fatigue and optimise muscle recovery.

• 1 Recovery Pro (dissolved in 250 ml of water, milk or a plant-based drink, taken within an hour of the end of the race) to promote the optimal recovery of muscle mass.
• 1 Race Balance Bar to maintain energy metabolism, electrolyte balance and normal muscle function, helping to reduce the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.

The winning strategy for tackling the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche

Correct supplementation makes all the difference between a hard-fought race and peak performance.

With Cetilar® Nutrition products and a carefully planned supplementation strategy, you’ll be equipped to tackle every stretch of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche with the energy and determination needed to conquer every challenge.

Pedal hard, fuel your body the right way, and enjoy every kilometre of the iconic white roads of Tuscany!