Blog by Luuk Verkooijen owner Bond cycling we asked him how he handles our sports nutrition.

I would like to introduce myself briefly, Luuk Verkooijen owner Bond Cycling, sports fanatic and BYE enthusiast. My sports career started with competitive swimming followed by triathlons and the last 20 years mainly MTB and road cycling. For over 20 years I may guide athletes to their goals through physical training, mental coaching and many (sports) nutrition advices.

Sports nutrition wasn't spoon-fed to me just yet, but it was close. I will never forget what I started with besides sandwiches. At a young age I was asked during a radio interview before an NK what my success was. And what was my answer, Dextro tablets. All credit to my parents and coaches who taught me from an early age to be careful and critical with sports nutrition. Many brands, types, flavors and contents have literally and figuratively gone through them with me.

As an athlete and coach, what do I think is so important right now?

The athlete in me, like many, started with the priority taste. If it doesn't taste good then it doesn't go in. Simple and, frankly, always will be. So as a coach, I have long since stopped recommending "good" products that people didn't like. Over the years I have found it difficult to find a brand that has a wide range of quality products. For me and my athletes, I have found the quality of natural products and a wide range in BYE. Fortunately, they understand the athlete and coach experience because there are plenty of flavors and tasty ones too.

BYE what and when?

If we want to maximize sports nutrition we want to replenish adequately vs. the amount of energy we consume. Energy consumption depends largely on duration and intensity but then we don't even mention temperature, altitude, personal energy consumption, wind, rain, mental state ect. In my advice I also often mention the important conditions such as dosing and timing. When you need or consume less energy you can be low in your dosage but if you want to ride a final then you have to make sure the energy reserves are optimal. This seems very simple but in practice we still see so many unnecessary "mistakes".

BYE user tip: MAGNESIUM SHOT

Aims to increase endurance, prevent tired muscles and or cramping and support recovery. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium is about 6 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For men this is about 300 to 400 mg per day, for women it is more around 300 to 250 mg. We athletes need 10 to 20 percent more because we consume and lose more with sweat. We consume a lot of magnesium and the 250mg is the shot we definitely need.

TIP ; use the magnesium shot in a water bottle with 500ml of water.

Example 1:

On a low intensity ride, start first with a water bottle of magnesium and 500 ml of water. We assume in this example that you have eaten well beforehand, so your carbohydrate reserves are replenished. There is no reason to start immediately with an isotonic drink.

Example 2:

When we drive long trips and do a lot of isotonic drink drink our bowels have to work hard. A water bottle with Magnesium shot and 500ml of water is also a pleasant change and THE tip to give the bowels some rest. Make sure you still get enough carbohydrates and choose another time for a bar or gel gel. For example, if you refill your water bottle with water, choose to add a magnesium shot so you can make many hours undisturbed.

Example 3:

In summer when we sweat more, we lose a lot of electrolytes and fluids. The 500ml of water with magnesium is therefore recommended after your ride to consume throughout the day. With this you promote recovery, gradually replenish fluid and magnesium deficiencies and prevent cramps.

Do you have any fun examples and or tips with the magnesium? Please let us know.