From pre-competition prep to recovery: analysing cyclists' dietary choices and gastrointestinal health in an endurance competition

Introduction: In recent years, long-distance events and mountain biking or MTB have seen a growth in both the number of events organised and  number of participants. In this type of endurance event, proper nutritional and hydration planning is essential to maintain optimal sporting performance and reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal problems. The aim of this study is to determine the dietary intake and compliance with nutritional recommendations of athletes in two endurance competitions at different times: pre-competition, during competition and post-competition, and as well, assess the incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on the consumption of liquids, food, and supplements in 40 MTB athletes participating in Gran Fondo Sierra de Alcaraz (Castilla la Mancha, Spain), in two different distances: Long-distance (143 km) and Marathon (64 km). The mean age was 44.21 ± 11.88 years and body mass was 74.05 ± 11.86 kg. Data was registered by self-completing a validated questionnaire (NIQEC) by each participant after completing the competition. Results: The mean intakes during the competition were 186.2 ±92.3 kcal/h for energy, carbohydrate (CHO) 41.1 ±21.2 g/h, fluids 516.6 ±177.7 ml/h and sodium 181.9 ±175.6 mg/h. Significant differences were found, with energy, CHO, and sodium intake being higher in the long-distance group. Additionally, a trend toward a negative correlation was observed in the long-distance group between CHO intake during the race and finishing time. Conclusions: Mean intakes of CHO and sodium were lower than scientific recommendations but higher in the long-distance competitors, but fluids intake met these recommendations in both groups.