Pre-Race Eating

[RoadRaven]

How long are your races?

I race typically between 30-40kms every Saturday, except for TimeTrial races, which are 20-25kms.

I eat two eggs on bread for breakfast, and then a cheese and vegemite sandwich and 1-2 fresh pears about two hours before road races. I never eat solid food any closer than two hours out from a road race.

Lance Armstrong and other top riders recommend no solid food for 2-3 hours before a race begins... and I have found 2 hours suits me.

For a time trial I often forego the eggs or the sandwich, as I get quite wound-up and any food sits heavy. The pears are always a safe bet though. I also have a "gu" about 10 minutes before I start so that it kicks about 5-10minutes before the finish line.

I never eat any of the protein bars because 1 - they are too expensive... and 2 - they are hard to eat and feel like rocks in my stomach.

Pears - either tinned or fresh - are supposed to be one of the best slow-release energy foods out there. You can get dried pears, but I don't like the texture and they are too sweet.