Fuel for Cycling: Complete Guide to Cycling Nutrition and Endurance Fuelling

Cycling performance is heavily dependent on proper fuelling. Whether you're riding for one hour or six, your ability to maintain power, avoid fatigue, and perform at your best depends on consistent carbohydrate intake.

When carbohydrate stores run low, power output drops, fatigue increases, and maintaining pace becomes significantly harder. Proper cycling nutrition allows you to sustain higher power, ride longer, and recover faster.

FTP Endurance Fuel was designed specifically for endurance athletes who need reliable, easy-to-use fuelling without the downsides of traditional gels.


Why fuelling matters for cycling

Carbohydrate is the primary fuel source during cycling, especially at moderate and high intensities. Your body stores a limited amount of carbohydrate as glycogen, which is quickly depleted during longer rides.

Without fuelling, riders commonly experience:

• Sudden loss of power
• Increased perceived effort
• Difficulty maintaining pace
• Fatigue and reduced endurance

Proper fuelling allows you to maintain consistent energy levels and optimise performance throughout your ride.


How many carbs per hour for cycling

Scientific research and endurance performance guidelines recommend consuming carbohydrates regularly during rides lasting longer than 60–90 minutes.

General guidelines:

• Rides under 60 minutes: no fuelling required
• 60–90 minutes: 30–45g carbs per hour
• 90–180 minutes: 60g carbs per hour
• 3+ hour rides: 60–90g carbs per hour

Professional cyclists often consume up to 90g carbs per hour to maintain optimal performance.

Consistent fuelling helps maintain blood glucose levels, preserve glycogen stores, and sustain power output over longer durations.


Common fuelling challenges cyclists face

Many cyclists struggle to fuel properly due to practical limitations, including:

• Difficulty opening gel packets while riding
• Sticky wrappers and litter
• Poor taste over long rides
• Inconsistent fuelling habits
• Gastrointestinal discomfort

These challenges often result in underfuelling, limiting performance and training effectiveness.

FTP Endurance Fuel was built to remove these barriers.


A better fuelling solution for cyclists

FTP Endurance Fuel provides fast, effective carbohydrate energy in a format designed for real-world endurance use.

Key benefits:

• Fast-absorbing carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Easy-to-use fuelling while riding
• Consistent energy without spikes and crashes
• No messy gel wrappers
• Great taste, even during long rides

Designed by endurance athletes who understand the demands of cycling.

 

XL Hand stitched FTP Reusable Waterproof Snack Pouch - Sustainable Packaging for Running/Cycling Product vendor


Recommended fuelling strategy for cycling

Pre-ride:
Consume a carbohydrate-rich meal 2–3 hours before riding.

During ride:
Begin fuelling within the first 30–45 minutes.

Continue fuelling consistently every 15–20 minutes to maintain energy levels.

Post-ride:
Consume carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores and support recovery.

Consistent fuelling improves ride quality, performance, and recovery.


Fuelling for different types of cycling

Short rides (under 60 minutes)
Water is typically sufficient.

Endurance rides (90+ minutes)
Regular carbohydrate intake helps maintain energy and performance.

Long rides (2–5 hours)
Consistent fuelling is essential to sustain power output and prevent fatigue.

Training and racing
Proper fuelling can significantly improve performance and endurance.


Why cyclists choose FTP Endurance Fuel

FTP Endurance Fuel was created to provide a simpler, more effective fuelling solution.

Built to be:

• Easy to use while riding
• Effective for sustained energy
• Simple and reliable
• Designed for endurance performance

Used by cyclists who want consistent performance without the drawbacks of traditional fuelling products.


Fuel your next ride properly.

Trusted by runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes.

Shop Energy Pastilles

Shop Power Fluids Drink Mix

 

 

Power Fluids: Tart Cherry + Carbohydrate + Electrolytes -  Endurance Fuel & Recovery Drink Mix - 900g Product vendor