Ironman Wales: Fuelling for the UK’s toughest triathlon

Ironman Wales takes place on Sunday 18^th September 2016 in Pembrokeshire.

With this in mind, Lancashire-based cycling specialist Ribble Cycles have partnered with OTE Sport nutritionist Annie Simpson, to aide athletes when it comes to fueling for race day.

From swimming to cycling to running, Ribble Cycles have created a bespoke nutrition guide revealing what it takes to champion each leg of Ironman Wales.

Tackling a variety of competition types from triathlon to track cycling. Ribble hopes to inspire aspiring athletes across the country to follow in the footsteps of the professionals when it comes to preparing for a race.

For those planning to take on a triathlon, such as the Ironman Wales this year, Annie Simpson explains why getting your nutrition right can make all the difference to your progress and performance: “An Ironman is one of the most demanding endurance events out there, pushing the body to its absolute limits over three different disciplines.”

“An Ironman isn’t just something you roll up to with no preparation, in fact it takes months of training and planning to get it right and nutrition is one of the areas that requires the most planning.”

The swim will start at North Beach and end on the east side of Goscar Rock. The bike course offers spectacular views of castles and landmarks whilst taking athletes through The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The run offers athletes views of medieval town walls and beautiful beachfronts.

The total calories consumed during an Ironman sits in the region of 6000-8000kcal. Athletes therefore need to consume 60-90g of carbohydrates per hour to avoid calorie deficit – equating to 700g for a 10 hour Ironman.

For more nutrition advice on preparing for an Ironman, please visit: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/blog/tackling-ironman-uk/

Matthew Lawson, Chief Digital Officer at Ribble Cycles, said: “Having established ourselves as a bike brand way back in 1897, Ribble has been pleased to see the introduction and subsequent growing popularity of triathlon.  As company we were quick to embrace it fully, offering a comprehensive range of triathlon and time trial bikes.

“If you’re in training for a triathlon, or planning to take on the Ironman Wales eventually yourself, following our nutritional advice is the first step in preparing your mind and body for the challenge ahead.”