After a promising debut year, we're gearing up for our second cyclocross season. With Felipe Orts, Joris Nieuwenhuis, and later in the season Daan Soete on board, we're ready for a season packed with sporting highlights, kicking off on Saturday, October 4 at the Exact Cross in Meulebeke. Valuable debut season Exactly one year ago, Ridley Racing Team made its official debut at the Exact Cross in Beringen. From day one, the team showed its potential. Felipe Orts quickly established himself as a fan favorite, taking silver at the European Championships on home soil, reaching four classification podiums, claiming his first Benelux win in Rucphen and a 7th consecutive Spanish cyclocross title. Joris Nieuwenhuis also made a big impression, despite a rough start to his season due to a shingles infection that sidelined him for over three months. He made a strong comeback at the Dutch National Championships, winning bronze, and followed that up with standout rides — including a World Cup podium in Maasmechelen and victories in Middelkerke and Oostmalle to close out the season. Gravel season as perfect preparation This summer, Joris focused on gravel racing with one clear goal: Unbound. In 2024, he lined up for the first time in Emporia, Kansas, and this year he was determined to return. Through races in Monaco, Spain, and the Netherlands, he arrived in the U.S. in top shape. He rode an impressive race and remained in podium contention for 250 kilometers. In the end, the heat proved too much, but he still finished in a respectable 18th place. Felipe also competed in several gravel races this past summer, aiming to further build his engine for the cyclocross season. In recent weeks, he has also taken part in a few road races to fine-tune his form ahead of Meulebeke. GC ambitions Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 season, Orts hopes to continue his upward trajectory: “ I’m really looking forward to this season, ” he says. “ I want to keep improving, especially on courses that don’t suit me as well — like sandy or climbing tracks. I want to fight for the podium in the big races, and hopefully take another win. And of course, I’m excited to reconnect with the Belgian fans — their support last year was amazing. ” Joris is just as ambitious: " After a disrupted season last year, we’re twice as motivated to make something special of this one. For me, the season already started in March. That’s when we began evaluating and planning to make sure I’m as well-prepared as possible for cyclocross. Key components of that plan were running, strength training, and gravel races – all with the winter season in mind. I spent the past three weeks training at altitude in Spain to fine-tune everything. Now the first race in Meulebeke is on the calendar for Saturday. I’m really excited and very curious to see where I currently stand. My goal remains the same: win an overall classification and become number one on the UCI ranking. " Daan Soete returns around Christmas During the Christmas season, Daan Soete will also return to cyclocross action. He’s currently wrapping up his gravel campaign, with the World Championships in South Limburg as his final major target. As reigning Belgian Beach Race Champion, he’ll also compete in beach races from late November, alongside teammate Aaron Van der Beken. Daan reflects positively on his year: " With this team, I have the opportunity to combine different off-road disciplines. The switch from cyclocross to beach racing was a big success with the national title, but moving from cyclocross to gravel was a bigger leap. It took a few weeks to find my rhythm and adapt my engine to the longer gravel efforts. With a sixth place at The Traka and a thirteenth at Unbound, I managed some strong results. At the Belgian Gravel Championships, Aaron and I just missed out in the sprint, but a few weeks later I managed to win Sea Otter. I had been dreaming of winning a big gravel classic like that, so that victory really meant a lot! "

This past weekend, it was time for the big season finale of the Gravel Earth Series. Our riders headed over to Ponts in Catalonia for this prestigious event where all the big hitters from the gravel scene were present. Credits: Roger Salanova, Ranxo Gravel & Gravel Earth Series However, the build up to the race hasn’t been the smoothest. On Wednesday, Nicole Frain got sick and also Daan Soete picked up a cold in the past week. In consultation with the team, both decided that it’s better to skip this race. Was left for Ridley Racing Team: Aaron Van Der Beken. Our young gun is in his first gravel season and he made great strides throughout the year. In his first months, he was progressing race after race with a great 22nd position at Unbound as a highlight. After the little post Unbound break, Aaron has been achieving strong results with four top 10 finishes and he was eager to add another top 10 in Catalonia. In Ranxo Gravel, the riders had to tackle 160 kilometres and 2000 meters of altitude. Straight after the start, there was a steep 5 kilometre climb which immediately caused some explosions in the peloton. A group of 10 riders managed to break away but Aaron decided to follow his own pacing for the first bit of the race. This strategy gave him the possibility to really start pushing after the climb and pick up a lot of riders. Another important aspect of gravel racing is to get the feeding right. In Ranxo Gravel, there was only one feed station so we saw different strategies. Some riders opted for a camelbag, Aaron chose for two big bottles of 1 liter. Disadvantage from this strategy is that you can lose a bottle in rocky downhills and that’s exactly what happened. Luckily, he did catch new bottles at the feed zone and he could continue his chase to the front of the race. Credits: Roger Salanova, Ranxo Gravel & Gravel Earth Series Aaron was joined in this chase by Mattia De Marchi. Mattia is a legend of the sport and the two of them worked very good together during the last 60k of the race. In the battle for the win, we saw a great battle between Magnus Bak and Wout Alleman, with the latter clearing the final sprint. In the mean time, Aaron and Mattia raced for fifth and sixt position and Mattia just edged out Aaron in their final push. Next weekend, cyclocross makes it return and Joris Nieuwenhuis and Felipe Orts will start their competition in Meulebeke. Our gravel squad won't race in the upcoming weekend and they fully focus on the World Championship Gravel in South-Limburg on 11 and 12 October. What is Gravel Earth Series? The Gravel Earth Series are a string of events that are held over the whole world and have a primary focus of connecting cyclists, nature and culture. The races are held in the most beautiful landscapes which makes it a unique experience for the riders. In addition, there is also a classification attached. Over a minimum of four mandatory races, the four best results are counted towards the ranking. This season's winners are Magnus Bak and Rosa Klöser. Aaron finished the Gravel Earth Series in 20th position. Daan and Nicole lose their ranking because they didn't complete Ranxo Gravel.

Sea Otter Europe turned into an outstanding weekend for the Ridley Racing Team! With wins by both Daan Soete and Nicole Frain, the team delivered a perfect performance in Catalonia. Sea Otter Europe has become a classic on the calendar and attracted a strong field to Girona. Daan faced tough competition, including French champion Dorian Godon, teammate Stan Dewulf, Romain Bardet, and gravel specialist Petr Vakoč. After more than 100 kilometers, the race came down to a duel between Soete and Godon. In a strong finale, Daan came out on top and raised his arms in victory. Nicole in top form After her win at Houffa Gravel and a second place at 66 Degrés Sud, Nicole Frain started in Catalonia with confidence. She impressed on the hilly course and launched an attack together with Esmée Peperkamp. Her relentless pace proved decisive: no one could follow. Closest chaser Emile Morier finished just under six minutes behind. With this victory, Nicole secured the overall title and capped off a successful season. Nicole: "I started the event highly motivated and admittedly a bit nervous. It was important to achieve a strong result, and I’m very pleased that it worked out. The course was challenging—hot, rough, and rocky—which are exactly the conditions I enjoy. Together with Esmée Peperkamp, I broke away early on the first climb. Midway through the lap, I found myself in the solo lead and focused on maintaining my rhythm and holding off the rest of the field. Being alone at the front has recently become my strength, and crossing the finish line solo was a fantastic feeling." It was also exciting to hear that my teammate Daan Soete secured the win in his race. It was an excellent day for the Ridley Racing Team." Daan: "I started the opening climb at my own pace and found myself in a group that stayed consistently 20 to 30 seconds behind the front group. We could see them the whole time, which kept us motivated and working well together to close the gap. Once we made the catch, the road went straight back uphill. I couldn’t quite follow the best climbers, but I managed to limit the damage and close the gap again on the descents. On a long false-flat climb, I broke away with Hans Becking, and only the WorldTour riders (Dorian Godon, Stan Dewulf, Peter Vakoc, Romain Bardet) were able to come back to us. Later in the descent, I put them under pressure and only Godon and Becking were able to follow me down. Godon and I worked well together, and we rode the final 15 km as a duo. In the end, I managed to win the sprint." With the double win in Girona, the Ridley Racing Team demonstrates once again its dominance and consistency in the international gravel scene. Photos: AMJ Motorsport, Aurélien Coquil, Miquel Matas, Yana Kokhan, Zubiko Photo

After months of perseverance and hard work, Nicole Frain finally reaped the rewards last Saturday in Houffa Gravel. Our Australian gravel rider proved to be the strongest after 141 challenging kilometers in the picturesque surroundings of Houffalize. It’s her first ever victory in the UCI Gravel World Series and one that is more than deserved after a season filled with setbacks and comebacks. A tough battle in the Ardennes The Ardennes course was anything but easy, with constant climbs and descents. Nicole lined up against a strong field including Dutch riders Esmée Peperkamp, Wendy Oosterwoud and Marjet Groen, as well as Belgian contender Floor Van Elsacker. It was Peperkamp who animated much of the race, attacking early and opening a gap. Nicole, however, stayed calm and kept the leader within reach, maintaining a gap of around 45 seconds to one minute. In the final lap, she made her move. On the steep slopes of the Saint-Roch, Nicole went all-in and bridged across to the front. Without hesitation, she launched her decisive attack. From there, she steadily built her advantage along the banks of the Ourthe, riding solo all the way to the finish line. In the end, Nicole crossed the line with a commanding margin of more than ten minutes, though the result doesn’t tell the full story. She spent nearly every minute of the race alone, showing both her strength and resilience. A well-earned breakthrough This victory comes as a relief and a reward for a season marked by consistency. Nicole already finished 3rd at Santa Vall and collected multiple runner-up spots, including in the Monaco Gravel Race, every stage and the overall classification at Gravel, Grit ’n Grind, and at La Monsterrato. The win in Houffalize crowns her perseverance and confirms her place among the top riders in the gravel scene. Strong team performance Consistency also defines Aaron Van der Beken. On Saturday, there was no stopping eventual winner Mads Würtz Schmidt, but Aaron fought hard with a select group of riders from the Low Countries for the remaining podium spots. He eventually claimed 5th place, while teammate Daan secured a solid 12th. With this strong collective performance, the team looks ahead with confidence to the final gravel races of the season. 📸 Bolero Gravel Series & Thibaut Debelle Photography

Last weekend, our riders were in action at two very different venues. Aaron Van der Beken, Daan Soete, and Nicole Frain lined up at La Monsterrato in Italy, while Violette Neza competed at the African Gravel Championships in Namibia. Both races brought strong performances and new highlights for the team. La Monsterrato, first held as a UCI Gravel event in 2022, has quickly built an outstanding reputation. Set in the Monferrato wine region of Piedmont, home of writer Umberto Eco and known in cycling for its Strade Bianche. The race offers a unique blend of history, culture, and sporting challenge. For Aaron Van der Beken, the event marked another step forward in his steady progression since Unbound. Recent results included 18th at Eislek Gravel Luxembourg, 12th at Gravel One Fifty, 11th at The Rift, and 10th at the Belgian Championships. In Italy, despite not feeling at his very best, he delivered a strong 10th place finish, with no issues from his recent injuries. Teammate Daan Soete followed in 21st position. Nicole Frain delivered one of her strongest rides of the season. Building on her impressive performances in Sweden, she entered the race with confidence. A fierce head-to-head battle developed with UAE Team ADQ’s Erica Magnaldi. Ultimately, the Italian rider proved strongest on the climbs, and Nicole secured an excellent second place. Both Frain and her European teammates now turn their attention to Houffa Gravel in Belgium, host of next year’s European Championships. “I went into the race targeting the win, but Erica had the upper hand on the late climbs, exactly where I had hoped to make my move,” Frain explained afterwards. “From that point, it was a solo ride to the finish, giving everything I had. This course really suited me, and I enjoyed the race. I also want to thank the Lützelschwab family for their support on the day. Moments like that show the real spirit of gravel racing.” African Gravel Championships: Near-Podium for Violette Meanwhile, in Namibia, Violette Neza represented the team at the inaugural African Gravel Championships—the Khomas100, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. A puncture forced her into a long solo chase under the harsh African sun and wind. Despite the setback, she fought back impressively, finishing just two seconds short of the podium in 4th place. “It was an honor to compete in the very first African Gravel Championship,” Neza said. “I gave everything I had, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough on the day. Still, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful for the support I received in Namibia, which truly felt like a home away from home.” Her focus now shifts to the Road World Championships, which will take place in her home country. Photo credit: Matteo Grava

Last Sunday, Westerlo hosted the Belgian Gravel Championship. Known as the "Pearl of the Kempen," the town offered riders a lightning-fast course, where competitors ultimately averaged 38 kilometers per hour. In the end, ten riders contested the win, including Aaron Van der Beken and Daan Soete. Unfortunately, both narrowly missed out on a podium finish. Under dry and warm conditions, the championship quickly turned into a dusty affair. The 50-kilometer-plus circuit first led riders to Blauberg, with gentle ups and downs through the wooded area. From there, the course passed Westerlo’s Grote Markt and headed north through a series of long, straight lanes in the Tongerlo countryside. Even during reconnaissance, it was clear this would be "half a road race." Professional riders were allowed to start at the very front, and the strongest immediately pressed the pace. This quickly separated the wheat from the chaff. After half a lap, former world champion Gianni Vermeersch launched an early attack, eventually breaking clear with Tim Merlier and Kevin Panhuyzen. It was a dangerous move, but with Daan’s help, the gap was closed by mid-race. More than 15 riders remained in contention at that point. Aaron on the Move Our riders stayed vigilant throughout. Entering the final lap, Aaron repeatedly jumped on dangerous attacks from Niels Vandeputte, Merlier, and others. The lead group was gradually whittled down to ten riders. In the decisive finale, no one managed to break away. Even with a final surge, Aaron could not avoid the inevitable sprint. As the fastest sprinter in the world, Merlier was the favorite. Daan launched the sprint first, but the double stage winner of the Tour quickly overtook him. Merlier himself eventually tired, allowing Niels Vandeputte to take the title. Daan crossed the line in sixth place, while Aaron finished a hard-fought tenth. Daan Soete: “You could feel in the finale that no one had the legs for a five-minute attack to escape. I also realized it would come down to a sprint, so I tried to focus on that. The sprint took a long time to start, so I went first to pull things along. Unfortunately, it blocked a bit, but sixth place is still a solid result.” Aaron Van der Beken: “I can be satisfied with my race: I did more than just follow and stayed very attentive on several attacks. Daan and I executed our team strategy well and rode an alert finale. Unfortunately, neither of us managed to get ahead. I tried something under the red flag, but there was no space.” Nicole Frain was also active in recent days. She competed in the Gravel, Grit ’n Grind in Sweden, finishing second behind Femke Markus for three consecutive days. Naturally, this earned her second place in the overall classification as well. Photo: Photo News

The Rift is often called the most beautiful gravel race in the world. Iceland’s iconic gravel race puts riders to the test as they race over 200 kilometres through dark lava fields, steep climbs, deep river crossings and wide-open landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanic force. Starting and finishing in Hvolsvöllur, with a strong international field on the start line, it was another major highlight on the gravel calendar. Aaron just outside the top 10 Aaron had marked this race as one of his summer goals and delivered a strong performance throughout. In the final part of the race, he found himself on the edge of the top ten. Unfortunately, the cooperation in his group did not go as hoped. In the sprint to the line, his breakaway companion took the better of him. Aaron crossed the finish in 11th place, just short of the result he had worked for. Nicole fights through setbacks Nicole did not have luck on her side. A mechanical early in the race prevented her from using her lightest gear, which made the steep Icelandic climbs even more demanding. Later, a puncture 30 kilometres from the finish added to the challenge. Despite everything, she stayed focused and rode to a 13th place finish, showing both resilience and determination. Joris closes gravel season Joris enjoyed the race and the beautiful Icelandic nature, but the demanding course brought back old issues. The rough lava fields triggered back problems similar to what he experienced at The Traka, which made it difficult to push through the roughest sections. With The Rift behind him, Joris ends his gravel season and takes a short break before shifting his focus to cyclocross.

Last week, Violette Neza lined up for the Bright Midnight, one of the toughest gravel races in the world. This Norwegian ultra covers 1,100 kilometers of rough terrain, thousands of meters of climbing, unpredictable weather and very little sleep. For most riders, finishing is an achievement in itself. But Violette didn’t just come to finish. She came to win. Improvising from day one Her race began with unexpected setbacks. Upon arriving in Norway, her luggage was missing. No clothing, limited gear, but luckily her bike had arrived. Thanks to quick support from friends and the local gravel community, she managed to get ready just in time. Part of her kit was borrowed, but the motivation was all hers. Everything was improvised except her desire to race. Focused from the start From the very first kilometers, Violette rode with full commitment. She set her own pace, didn’t hold back and stayed calm despite mechanical problems. A bent brake disc, a few flat tyres — none of it stopped her. As the race progressed, she began moving up in the rankings. Her legs felt strong, and her motivation remained high, even through long nights without sleep. On the final day, a top result seemed within reach. She still felt good and believed she could finish on the podium. No podium, but true character Just before the finish, bad luck struck again. A fourth flat tyre ended her podium ambitions. With no help nearby and no spare parts left, she had no choice but to let that goal go. Still, she chose to finish the race. That decision says everything about her mindset. Leaving an impression The result wasn’t what she had hoped for, but her performance made a strong impression. In extreme conditions, she showed grit, independence and tactical awareness. With this ride in Norway, Violette firmly introduced herself to the world of gravel ultra racing. Pictures: Gavin Kaps, Justas Juozaitis, Nils Laengner & Bright Midnight

Last weekend, Daan Soete returned to a discipline that suits him well, competing at the Belgian Mountain Bike Championships in Tessenderlo. Known for his technical skills and off-road background, Daan delivered two solid results: fourth in the Short Track (XCC) and fifth in the Olympic Cross-Country (XCO). Confident on technical ground With years of experience in both cyclocross and mountain biking, Daan felt right at home on the demanding courses. In Saturday’s Short Track, he stayed near the front throughout the race and narrowly missed out on the podium after a fast, tactical finish. On Sunday, in the Cross-Country race, he rode consistently, stayed in touch with the leaders and finished fifth, confirming his strong form and sharp handling skills. Preparing for the next goal After the MTB weekend, Daan travelled to Livigno for a high altitude training block with teammates Aaron and Nicole. His next major target is the Belgian Gravel Championships in Westerlo on August 17th 2025. With his off-road pedigree and growing summer form, Daan will be aiming to challenge for the national title.

After a truly unforgettable edition of UNBOUND, the Ridley Racing Team returned to Europe for the next major challenge: Eislek Gravel Luxembourg—a new race on the calendar and the first-ever UCI gravel event in the Grand Duchy. Held in the historic town of Vianden, the race marked the beginning of the second half of our gravel season, offering both an opportunity and a test on unfamiliar terrain. The Eislek Gravel course featured a 46.8 km circuit split into two distinct sections: the Luxembourg Loop and the German Loop. Both men and women in the elite categories completed 2.5 laps, making it a true endurance test. It was a classic all-rounder’s course—climbs, flats, forest trails, technical descents, and even cobbled roads leading to Vianden Castle. The terrain was as scenic as it was selective, making it a perfect setting to test every facet of gravel racing. Nicole in the Top 10 Again In the women’s race, Nicole delivered another solid performance, finishing 9th overall. She felt strong from start to finish and managed to stay close to the front during the early parts of the race. However, once the age group men began to pass from behind, it became increasingly difficult to track competitors and hold position. Despite that, she kept her composure and secured another top-10 finish, continuing her consistent season. Mechanical Mayhem for the Men For the men, it was a day that tested more than just fitness. Aaron and Felipe were our first finishers in 18th and 19th place, staying close together throughout the race. Behind them, however, Daan and Joris were hit by a string of misfortunes. Daan punctured just 30 minutes into the race and swapped wheels thanks to our mechanics. But fate wasn’t on his side—he suffered two more punctures, front and rear. Using all the plugs and a hand pump from Thomas De Gendt, he managed to limp to the finish line, earning full marks for perseverance. Joris, who was riding with Aaron and Felipe at the time, also flatted and encountered shifting issues that threw off his rhythm. Gravel gives and takes. This time, it demanded a bit too much. Eyes on Hegau With a mix of solid results and mechanical frustrations, Eislek Gravel was a day of valuable lessons. As the dust settles—literally and figuratively—our riders are already shifting focus to the next UCI Gravel World Series stop: the Hegau Gravel Festival in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. We’ll be back stronger, and hopefully with a little more luck on our side.

The legendary UNBOUND Gravel 200 once again proved to be one of the toughest and most iconic gravel races in the world—and our Ridley Racing Team rose to the occasion. With Daan Soete finishing 13th, Joris Nieuwenhuis 18th, and Aaron Van der Beken 22nd, no fewer than three of our riders secured top results in this high-profile event. The entire team can look back on an edition to be proud of. This year’s race, despite being marked by heavy rainfall across Kansas, became the fastest edition in UNBOUND’s history. With over 240 kilometers remaining, the decisive move came from Cameron Jones and Simon Pellaud, who escaped early and built a commanding lead. Joris Nieuwenhuis joined a strong chase group that managed to gradually reduce the gap from twelve minutes to seven, but the front duo never let the advantage drop below five minutes. Back in the peloton, Daan Soete and Aaron Van der Beken kept a close eye on the race dynamics. As the final section of the race unfolded and groups started to merge, both riders were forced to give everything they had. Daan crossed the finish line as the first Belgian in a strong 13th place, followed closely by Joris in 18th after an aggressive ride. Aaron completed a consistent and impressive effort, finishing 22nd and rounding out a successful day for the team. High and Lows UNBOUND is known not only for its glory, but also for its brutal unpredictability. Unfortunately, our team was not spared. Nicole Frain, who was riding an exceptional race and well inside the top five, was brought down by another rider and was forced to abandon. Felipe Orts also ran into misfortune, suffering two punctures that dashed his hopes of a top result. Despite the setbacks, the team leaves Kansas with great confidence and a strong sense of unity. The Flint Hills once again served as the ultimate testing ground, and we passed with flying colors. With UNBOUND behind us, the riders will now take a brief moment to recover before turning their focus to the next major challenge: Eislek Gravel in Luxembourg, part of the UCI Gravel World Series. After her first experience at UNBOUND, Nicole Frain shared a few heartfelt reflections. “My first UNBOUND attempt. And we can say that the feeling was good, and now I know what I want to do for next year. But the good feeling also comes from off the bike too. I’ve loved these last trips with the team—the support I feel, the belief, and just good vibes, banter, and quality humans. So a big thanks to the team for creating this and, of course, for the effort it takes to get us all here.” With results like these and a team spirit this strong, the Ridley Racing Team is more motivated than ever for what lies ahead.

That Nicole Frain is an exceptionally strong cyclist is already well known among our followers. The 2022 Australian champion also holds a major in Health and Nutrition from Federation University Australia. As a nutrition specialist, she is ideally suited to test the products of our partner, 226ers. “Honestly, it’s fair to say I love their range. I like the flavors, and the diversity of products seems to be something to fit all my needs.” Scientific Approach to Nutrition   “I am really into nutrition, and while I have been studying for a while now (since 2019, as I pursue a Health and Nutrition Major with a Biological Science Minor part-time...), the last 18 months have significantly deepened my interest in personal nutrition. I have been fine-tuning my on-the-bike nutrition and understanding the science behind what we consume for performance and general well-being.   I come from a road cycling background, and the key differences compared to gravel racing, which I am now heavily involved in, include the length of races, intensity, and terrain.   Breaking this down: women’s road races typically range from 90 to 150 km (with some exceptions), but an average race is around 120 km. In contrast, gravel races are generally 140 km or more, with many ‘epic’ events pushing or exceeding the 200 km mark.   When considering duration, road races often involve higher speeds, meaning a 100 km road race can take less than 3 hours in optimal conditions. In gravel racing, however, the same distance may take 4-5 hours, depending on terrain. The rougher terrain not only extends the race but also influences nutrition strategy due to challenges in eating and its impact on digestion. The closest comparison in road racing would be the cobbled classics, such as Paris-Roubaix. The terrain affects both the ability to eat and the stomach's tolerance, making nutrition choices crucial.” What Am I Fueling With? Training:  The choice of nutrition depends on the session. For endurance rides, I use a carbohydrate mix in my bottles (such as the 226ers Energy Drink Mix ) and prefer real food sources like bananas, homemade pancakes, rice cakes, muesli bars, or 226ers Vegan Oat Bars . For sessions that include intense efforts, I opt for rapid carbohydrate sources until the efforts are complete before switching back to real foods. My current favorite high-intensity products from 226ers include:   High Energy Gel  in Salty Peanut Honey High Energy Gel  in Strawberry (I am eager to try Speculoos!) Hydrajellys Energy Shot Stick for particularly challenging efforts   Using these products in training allows me to assess their effectiveness under high-intensity conditions, including flavor and overall physiological response.   Racing:  Many of the products I use in training become staples on race day. Additionally, I incorporate: Race Day Sub9 for a high carbohydrate intake in a compact form, reducing the need to carry excess food. Race Day Bars to provide a solid food option during back-to-back race days, helping to reduce reliance on gels and maintain digestive comfort. Emergency nutrition, such as Energy Shot Stick or caffeine-based gels, for critical energy boosts when needed. With summer approaching in Europe, I also plan to test Sub9 Electrolyte Capsules , which include a caffeine-infused option for hydration management in extreme heat. Post-Training Recovery:  Recovery is crucial, particularly with multi-day races and intense training. My post-training and post-race routine follows a structured approach: Protein Shake (chocolate flavor), though 226ers  also offers vegan alternatives. A balanced meal following the shake. If a shake is not convenient, I opt for a NEO Protein Bar (black cookies flavor) as a recovery snack. Ultimately, my nutrition strategy is about testing what works best for me, what I enjoy, and ensuring I meet my energy and nutritional needs. Fortunately, 226ers  offers a wide range of products, making it both practical and enjoyable to experiment with new nutrition options!