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Cycling Fri Sep 19 2008
High Octane 'Cross
Fueling and resting up for a bike race is something of a black art. Back in the Golden Age of Cycling, cyclists before a big race would eat a bowlful of plain, cold pasta, abstain from climbing any flights of stairs, and would sleep under a signed, faded poster of Anquetil. The science of training since then has come a long way - powermeters, heart rate monitors, and periodization have all made bike riders faster and better. However, what you stuff into your maw still matters so much.
If you're interested in knowing what to eat and what not to eat before a race, consider attending the "High Octane Fuel for Cyclocross" nutrition session on October, 7th, hosted by Monica Ryan, a nutritionist with a regular VeloNews column. I've followed her tips in my own training, and while I'm easily led astray by icecream, pizza, and New Glarus, I've found that if I stay on track with a solid diet, I get faster.
Oh, and a reminder. This Sunday is the first race of the ChiCrossCup in Jackson Park. Not until the Montrose Harbor race is there a cyclocross event within the city limit proper, and that race is in December. The weather this weekend looks promising - no excuse not to come out with the cowbells and scream encouragements to racers.
