Nutrition

To keep going on a long bike ride you need carbohydrate. When you’re start going over three or four hours, you need a bit of protein too. This is because - to put it in the simplest terms - it helps the carbo work better. Protein is also important after a race or long ride to help muscle repair. And that’s where the Builders Bar, from all-natural energy food manufacturer Clif, comes in.

When the Agisko box arrived I delved in expecting the usual pile of gel sachets. No... what we had here was something different. I don't know why I was taken aback by gel in a bottle but I was, and I had my reservations as I set out on an Agisko fueled 70 miler on the South Downs.

Getting enough protein is vital if you want the maximum benefit from your training, and that’s where a concentrated source like this Recovery Bar comes in handy. Each 45g bar contains a useful 14g of protein – mostly milk protein – along with 17.1g of carbs and 5.2g of fat. You also get a decent amount of antioxidants to support the recovery process.

I've tried a few energy bars in my time and the ZV8 is one of the best of its type. Although it got a little sloppy in my pocket on the hottest days I never found it a chore to eat and enjoyed its chocolatey taste – unlike other energy bars I could mention.

I'm more of a gel kinda guy but always take one or two energy bars if it's going to be a long day in the saddle... and The Marmotte was certainly one of those. I ate one halfway up Galibier and I'm sure it was my saving grace... I wish I'd taken a few more!

This image was uploaded with the post Taste of sugar enough for brain to boost body's performance.

Motor tabs score over traditional supplements by coupling carbohydrates with the time honoured electrolyte replenishment to give welcome fuel on longer rides. The starter kit consists of four Motor Tab tablets and a 500ml bottle. Sold separately Motor Tabs are £1.15 each or £24.99 for a pack of 24.