Time-trials hold unique challenges for pro riders and their support staff. Unlike a long road stage a TT is a short, intense effort that requires a rider’s nutrition to be tailored to exact times throughout the day. Meanwhile the team behind the team will have up to eight riders to get ready, all starting at different times and with very different goals for the day.
Performance nutritionist with INEOS Grenadiers, Dr Marc Fell, explains why this makes time trials one of the most complicated days of a three-week stage race for the team. “In an individual time trial every rider will race at different times depending on where they are on GC. Some riders can be very early, others, those high-up on GC and competing for the overall win, will be late in the afternoon. Some riders will be racing to win, others just trying to get through or limit their time losses. Nutrition will be individualised depending on their goals.”
