Good hydration improves performance
Google ‘cycling and hydration’ and you might come up with a couple of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for cyclists tackling Death Valley. While the hills and valleys of Cambridgeshire might not compare to the extremes of Death Valley, hydration is, nevertheless, still key to the performance of any long distance cyclist. After all, the human body is 60 percent water – give or take a bit. Being dehydrated really does impair your performance.
Start drinking water before you start cycling
While upping your water intake in the four to six hours before you get on your bike, it is good practice to start hydrating your body in the days before the long distance ride. If you don’t habitually make sure you drink enough water, then start. Now.
Hours before…
Start sipping! If you can, down around 300mls of water in the hours before you set off. That is less than a full can of coke, so it should be easy to achieve. But don’t drink coca cola (other brands are available) because, while the caffeine might ‘pep’ you up it will also dehydrate you. Stick to water or isotonic/sports hydration drinks.
On the ride
Just keep drinking. We could tell you all about the benefits of hydration in terms of performance but the truth is, it really is better to leave it to the experts. The British Cycling Federation shares the best information about cycling and hydration. Click here to read the experts’ advice.
Start drinking water before you start cycling
While upping your water intake in the four to six hours before you get on your bike, it is good practice to start hydrating your body in the days before the long distance ride. If you don’t habitually make sure you drink enough water, then start. Now.
Hours before…
Start sipping! If you can, down around 300mls of water in the hours before you set off. That is less than a full can of coke, so it should be easy to achieve. But don’t drink coca cola (other brands are available) because, while the caffeine might ‘pep’ you up it will also dehydrate you. Stick to water or isotonic/sports hydration drinks.
On the ride
Just keep drinking. We could tell you all about the benefits of hydration in terms of performance but the truth is, it really is better to leave it to the experts. The British Cycling Federation shares the best information about cycling and hydration. Click here to read the experts’ advice.
