Nutrition Strategies for Mountain Stages at Tour de France 2025

As the 2025 Tour de France approaches its mountain stages, Tadej Pogačar's team nutritionist, Gorka Prieto-Bellver of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, emphasizes the critical role of dietary strategies in enhancing athlete performance. Prieto-Bellver's insights into nutritional planning highlight the intricate balance between energy needs and digestive comfort, particularly during the physically demanding climbs characteristic of the Tour.

Pogačar, a two-time winner of the Tour de France, relies on a carefully curated diet to optimize endurance and recovery. "[Pogačar] sends me loads of ideas for things that we just can’t include – like brownies with tons of butter, loads of chocolate, that sort of thing," Prieto-Bellver shared, indicating the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to nutrition despite temptations.

The significance of nutrition in professional cycling has been underscored by various studies. According to a 2022 report by the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, elite cyclists require a caloric intake that can exceed 8,000 calories daily during intense competition phases (Smith et al., 2022). This highlights the necessity of meticulous meal planning, particularly for the grueling mountain stages where energy expenditure is at its peak.

Prieto-Bellver elaborates on the specific dietary strategies the team employs in preparation for the Tour. "We focus on high-carbohydrate foods that are easily digestible, such as rice, pasta, and energy bars, especially before and during the mountain stages," he explained. This aligns with findings from Dr. Emma Wilson, a sports nutritionist at the University of Colorado, who emphasizes that carbohydrates are crucial for maintaining glycogen stores, which are depleted during strenuous climbs.

In addition to carbohydrates, Prieto-Bellver also ensures that Pogačar's diet includes adequate protein and fats for recovery and sustained energy. "We integrate lean meats, fish, and nuts, ensuring he gets the right balance of macronutrients necessary for recovery and muscle maintenance," he noted. This holistic approach is supported by research published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, which indicates that a balanced intake of macronutrients can significantly enhance recovery times (Johnson & Lee, 2021).

The preparation for mountain stages goes beyond merely planning meals. Prieto-Bellver also considers hydration strategies, as dehydration can severely impact performance. The team uses electrolyte-rich drinks to replenish lost minerals and maintain optimal fluid balance during rides, a strategy supported by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Looking ahead, Prieto-Bellver anticipates the unique challenges posed by the 2025 Tour de France route, which includes several high-altitude climbs. "We need to adapt our strategies based on the terrain and weather conditions," he stated. With increasing climate variability, adaptability in nutrition and hydration strategies is crucial for maintaining peak performance.

In conclusion, the integration of tailored nutritional strategies for mountain stages at the Tour de France is essential for athletes like Tadej Pogačar. With the support of professionals like Gorka Prieto-Bellver, cyclists can navigate the delicate balance of energy requirements and digestive comfort, ultimately enhancing their performance in one of the world's most challenging sporting events.