ENDURANCE NUTRITION

by Rebecca Lee 18.08.08

Britain’s Triathletes will take up the challenge of the Beijing Games on Monday, 18^th and Tuesday 19^th August. Facing an endurance test over three events; swimming 1500m, cycling 40k and running 10km, it is vital that athletes have the right energy stores and are hydrated for the race.

Eis2win.co.uk talked to EIS Performance Nutritionist Kevin Currell, who works with British Triathlon supporting the athletes competing at the highest level.

“For those triathletes in Beijing, nutritional preparation for the event itself starts two days before,” said Currell. “It’s vital that athletes take on lots of carbohydrates, so that they have enough energy to complete the race. They also need to drink a lot so that, despite the heat and humidity, they will begin the race fully hydrated,” he added.

Kevin has been working with Mark Pearce, British Triathlon’s Sports Science Manager, and EIS Physiologist Naroa Etxebarria, to ensure the athletes have been prepared for competing in the heat and humidity of Beijing and know what nutrition they need before, during, and after the race.

“On the morning of the race athletes will typically have a high carbohydrate based meal, focusing on quality carbs and avoiding high fat and protein which could cause them stomach problems during the race,” explains Currell.

“Hydration is key, particularly in a hot and humid environment, as athletes will lose a high proportion of body fluid. Before the race and during the cycling stage they will have the chance to hydrate. Whilst on the bike athletes will take on a sports drink and usually a carbohydrate gel, both of which are designed to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, getting to the muscles as quickly as possible.”

“In the final stage during the run, water will be provided on the route. Athletes will take on some water and usually pour some over their head to keep cool and help them through the final stage. After the race is finished taking on a carbohydrate or protein drink as soon as possible will be important to help recovery and prevent illness, as immunity will be weakened.”

Out in Beijing, EIS Physiologist Naroa Etxebarria is supporting the GB Triathlon coaches and athletes in their final preparations for the races next week.

Monday 18^th: Tim Don, Will Clarke and Alistair Brownlee will compete in the men’s competition. This will be Don’s third Olympic Games, and following his success at the Commonwealths (fourth) and more recently his world cup win in South Korea, he will be hoping for his first medal. For Clarke and Brownlee, this will be their debut at the Games, but impressive performance on the world circuit this year should stand them in good stead for the race.

Tuesday 19^th: Helen Tucker and Hollie Avil will compete in the women’s competition. Tucker has had a strong year to date, havingwon the world championships in Vancouver. Avil, at just 18, has also had a second and third place finish on the world circuit, making the women’s pair strong contenders for the event.