I’m looking at the pictures of the pros on the bike and I can’t find any visible nutrition on the bike. Some, like Potts, carry a bento, and Carfrae tapes gels onto their bikes, but the majority of them have nothing on it, or they hide it very well because I cannot find it.
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Lots of calories in the bottles to start the ride, then I think if you look close you’ll see a flask, bar or gels somewhere else on the bike or in their pockets. Also as special needs you can pick up more bottles with calories, and aid stations can grab gatorade or a gel if you need it.
I did notice as I was finishing on the bike and looking at the run aid stations on the Queen K that there were special tables for the pros. Does anyone know the details on this?
I know they did this on the run, do they do it on the bike too?
To the OPs question though, mostly water bottles and some stuff in jersey pockets…with the occassional bento box.
Many of them have it in liquid form in their bottles, period.
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
Often times one of the bottles on the bike is a “calorie bottle” with gels, maltodextrin, etc. in it (800-2000 kcal depending on the mix). They take a swig of this bottle, then chase it with water.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
No, but I’ve never seen a Kenyan do a triathlon either 
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
Kenyans are not sponsored by Fuelbelt.
I did notice as I was finishing on the bike and looking at the run aid stations on the Queen K that there were special tables for the pros. Does anyone know the details on this?
Most likely so that they are ensured to have stuff there and waiting, and not have to wade through some AG’ers for it.
John
This is a two part answer:
A) Fuel Belt is their sponsor and Vinu treats them well
B) 6min in Kona can be a long time to wish you had something to drink…the pro’s aren’t too concerned about carrying the extra weight if it means nutrition at their fingertips.
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
I’ve also never seen a Kenyan running a marathon after 5+ hour of intense exercise in 100+ degree heat and humidity… …
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
I’ve also never seen a Kenyan running a marathon after 5+ hour of intense exercise in 100+ degree heat and humidity… …
Go to Africa…that is like a typical day out doing stuff to survive…White folks are soft!!!
They store them at aid stations. When they go through aid stations, volunteers hand it over to them.
Why so many fuel belts then? I can’t figure out why so many carry an extra kg around their waist when they have fluid+calories every 6 minutes. Ever see a kenyan run with a fuel belt?
I’ve also never seen a Kenyan running a marathon after 5+ hour of intense exercise in 100+ degree heat and humidity… …
Go to Africa…that is like a typical day out doing stuff to survive…White folks are soft!!!
A typical day is on par with the effort of an Ironman race? No chance.
Pros or not, Fuel Belt is a shitty product
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Uncalled for.
I guess you have something other than “my buddy says it’s crap” to share with us?
I for one, use mine quite a lot. I don’t have aid stations on my 2 hour runs, so I carry water with me. And you?
Pros or not, Fuel Belt is a shitty product
while I love to make fun of overweight women walking 10k with a fuel belt fuel of gatorade as much as the next guy
I certainly see useful applications for them
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I have nothing against Fuel Belt. In fact, I bought my first one over a decade ago after seeing Hellriegel use one and it came with bottles from some Swedish company IIRC. I now do my long training runs with either the latest Fuel Belt or a Nathan bottle. I just wonder if Fuel Belts in races is going to go the way of carrying 4 bottles on your bike or taping gels and sticking PowerBar pieces on to your top tube. If you take 4 oz every 6 minutes at the aid stations, you are getting 40 ozs/hr. No way a pro is absorbing that much while running a 2:45 marathon so why take additional fluid along? Clearly the pros can adapt (see: Crowie, helmet, bike, position, bottle set-up). Just because they do it in 2011 (and get sponsor money) doesn’t mean they will continue to do so.