Dietary intake of two elite male cyclists during 10-day, 2,050-mile ride

Food and fluid intake of 2 male cyclists was assessed to describe dietary intakes of athletes participating in an endurance ride. Cyclists rode 15 to 18 hr each day for 10 days to travel 2,050 miles on the original Pony Express Trail over seven major mountain ranges. Food and fluids were weighed or measured by researchers. Average kilocalorie intake was 7,125 +/- 340 (M +/- SEM), or 113 kcal/kg/day. Percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and fat kilocalories were 10, 63, and 27, respectively, with 44% of the carbohydrate kilocalories from simple sugars, cookies, sweetened drinks, and candy. Vitamin and mineral intakes were two to three times the RDA for most vitamins and minerals. Total fluid intake averaged 10.5 L per day with an average of 620 ml/hr of riding time. Of fluid intake, 54% was water. Cyclists traveling long distances need a variety of high-calorie foods and ample amounts of fluids to maintain performance for this type of event.