Cycling: climbers food

Question
Hi Jerry,
I am a 16 year old mountain biker and road cyclist and am looking to turn professional probably as a road cyclist. I am a fairly high cadence rider (90-110 rpm) and my strengths are climbing and individual time trialing. I am 170cm tall and weigh 52kg (real climber's physique). I read a lot about nutrition but it is all general sports nutrition. I was wondering if you could maybe give me some advice on what foods to eat that would complement my riding style and maybe even make me an even stronger climber. I know that as a climber I need to stay thin and light but no matter how much I eat I never seem to gain weight anyway so that isn't a problem. I just need foods that could improve my power to weight ratio. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Ryan,

I would check out www.bicycling.com and the special training programs they have their. I got into cycling on a large scale later in life and would hate to steer you incorrectly. You are correct though. Your diet would be different from that of a bodybuilder as you want to be strong but you don't want the bulky muscles that a pro bodybuilder would need. You also don't want a body like a power lifter.


Bicycling.com has trainers and a great deal of information that could be of great help to you. Also check out the IMBA and USCF sites. They are great and have good links to sites that may be of help.

Generally while you are riding you need carbs, the more complex carbs are better, but you probably will also benefit from some simple carbs. I find the Marathon Bars and old fashioned Gatorade work best for me. I have been experimenting with Accelorade lately and have found it to work well. I gain fat easily so have to watch my intake of this stuff. since you are much younger and your metabolism is much higher then your body can deal with it easier.

Hope this helps

Have a great day

Jerry