Continue on in-depth course that focuses on the integration of athletes. Like many categories linked to the world of high-level sport and beyond, also integration is subject to profound change. Compared to a few seasons ago, there is more knowledge and awareness, information and also availability of products, pre, during and post race/training.
We interviewed Umberto Marengo of Drone Hopper-Androni-Sidermec, a very sensitive athlete, well-prepared and curious about the topic of nutrition and supplementation. The only one that during the conference on Zoom with Ethic Sport he started asking questions…
If you had to make a comparison with the past, how has your way of eating and integrating changed?
A premise is necessary: I like it a lot experiment when I see that there is room for improvementAt Drone Hopper I have several opportunities in this direction, a new situation that I want to exploit precisely to progress further. Compared to the past, I have changed the way I integrate and feed myself on the bike, while once I got off the bike my habits remained more or less the same.
Did you receive specific instructions and advice?
One of the advantages is having highly trained nutrition doctors who support us, in parallel with the company that supplies us with supplements. Together, it was structured an integration plan which has as its subject to carbohydrates in different formsI needed advice and guidance, and I personally started using carbohydrates in the right way, making some changes to my intake.
Have you noticed any differences?
I have tried several solutions and Energy availability has certainly improved. I use a greater number of Gels, specifically Superdextrin, not only in competition, but also in training and this is the first novelty. In addition to a excellent digestibility and no stomach discomfortThe first sensation is that of always having energy ready to be used. I've also eliminated the feeling of heaviness that occasionally occurred in the past when I overindulged in solid foods and took advantage of suboptimal eating times. I have learned and am learning to take advantage of the benefits that supplements offer. of good quality they can offer to an athlete.
Generally speaking, what is the hiring schedule you currently use?
In first part of the race and training something solid, bars and some freshly prepared foods. I'm starting to use gels already halfway through the race, but also during training. This is a new practice and I have to say it works very well. In the end, both in competition and in training, only gels, carbs in liquid form and even those with caffeine. In Maltodextrins should never be missing from the water bottleI also use mineral salt supplements, but obviously it depends on the duration and the planned effort. Basically, Now the nutrition and workout supplementation have a composition that is much more oriented towards liquids, trying to maintain an optimal balance also in terms of taste.
Have you done any personal tests? Even just out of curiosity?
Absolutely yes, as previously stated. I like to experiment and take advantage of an advantageous situation that allows me to improve. I have done several tests with the supply of supplements available and I have I tried feeding myself only with liquids, gels and maltodextrins. I did it in a very demanding 4-hour workout, with successive bursts of high-intensity work. The results were very good, both in terms of energy levels in my legs and the sensations in my stomach and digestion.
Could you quantify some of the differences?
I don't have a verifiable comparison with the numbers, because my physical growth is still in an evolutionary phase. I can express myself through sensations, linked to a sense of comfort and well-being. And then there are those energies that are always available. I'm certainly surprised in a positive way by the fact that consume plenty of liquid carbohydrates and avoid heartburn. And then greater autonomy and a practically absent sense of heaviness.
Have you noticed any weight gain?
I was afraid of this and instead I remained constant, especially considering the winter months. This also contributes to a greater sense of well-being after a workout, which helps limit binge eating.
What does it mean?
As far as I'm concerned, better integration and nutrition when I pedal, are reflected in a controllable hunger when I finish working out.
And what about amino acids in competition? Have you tried them?
Not yet, but I'm curious about it. I'm following a sort of agreed-upon plan, and I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but the season has just begun. There are so many supplements available, from different categories, and it takes time to test them all properly. I can say that I take branched chain amino acids, but in parallel with the recovery phases, aware of the fact that a supplement like RamtechHydro is not trivial.
Are the daily diet and supplement protocol defined by the team's nutritionist with your feedback, needs and requirements in mind?
Until last year, I had my own nutritionist and relied on him. Now we also have the support of a team of staff. I've been in touch with them since the very beginning, sharing my needs and habits. The daily changes and those related to traditional eating habits have been minimal. However, those relating to integration and the supplements themselves are important.
What should a cyclist never be without?
Staying on the subject of food, theBalance, which should be reflected in everythingI think everything is fundamental. You can't just eat pasta and steak. You need to understand what's best for yourself and your needs. Being capable of exploiting what the world of integration has to offer makes available to us today, it could become a great advantage.
