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Manchester-based nutrition firm CNP Professional has developed a new energy gel with British Cycling.
The cola-flavoured gel – to be used by Team GB Cycling and the Sky Pro Cycling team taking part in the Tour de France – has been designed to maintain energy levels and heighten mental alertness.
Available in 45g single-portion tear-open sachets, the gel is intended for consumption during exercise or competition. The Pro Energy Max formula uses a unique formula of a targeted combination of caffeine for instant energy, guarana for slow-release energy, carbs to maintain glucose levels and finally electrolytes for rehydration. The gel also includes B vitamins to help the body break own the ingredients more easily.
A key member of the development group behind the gel was Matt Parker – head of the British Cycling’s ‘marginal gains’ team. The gel is set to be used by the British Cycling Team across all disciplines; track, long distance, mountain biking and BMX.
Head of Nutrition at British Cycling, Nigel Mitchell, explained: "The problem with being at the top of the game is staying there. GB Cycling is looking at every possible angle that can give us an edge, which is what Pro Energy Max is designed to do.
"We’re very excited by the new gel," Mitchell added. "We asked our athletes to specify what they wanted in a gel, then CNP worked with us to develop a formula that met the requirements. The critical issue was to get the boost and then maintain it, rather than have the follow-up ‘energy flat’ that can sometimes happen. The guys at CNP, especially Kerry Kayes and Philip Connolly, invested a lot of time and expertise in getting the formula just so. This has been a really successful piece of partnership work for everyone.
"This is the first development project between British Cycling and CNP, but we are already planning exciting future projects that we believe will help to give us a competitive edge for the Tour de France, London Olympics and many more."
Pro Energy Max is available now.
