Why do pros get a Fanta at the finish line?

Nutrition
1

I noticed that in pro races a lot of riders get a Fanta immediately after they crossed the finish line by their team staff. Saw it yesterday at Brabantse Pijl again with Thomas Pidcock. They always get one within the first minute and it seems that the staff member is almost forcing him to drink it immediately as well.

Not quite sure why that drink in particular and why so soon after the race, when the athletes are still gasping for air. Of course fueling is important and hydration and glucose are important. But what is it about Fanta and why the hurry?

I imagine that drinking it 2-3 minutes afterwards would be still very good. Also I wonder if there aren´t any other fancy Maurten, SIS, Gatorade, etc. that would be better suited?

Thanks in advance!

1 Like
2

Because its full of sugar, no other reason.

You see the same thing with Cola… those mini cans you get on flights.

What brand it is is normally just sponsorship or convenience.

4 Likes
3

Oh and why the hurry?

Because if you have won the race the next hour can be taken up with dope control, podium presentation and media interviews. So easy to forget or not get anything down. Like I said a can of sugary drink is quick and its the convenience, easy to get hold of etc.

1 Like
4

Yes sugar but for taste too
A cold can of fizzy sugar is psychologically :ok_hand:

3 Likes
5

To feel fantastic obviously

8 Likes
6

Don’t you want a fanta?

2 Likes
7

Because it’s on TV. How often do people watch the podium ceremony or after race interviews?

1 Like
8

This is true… I did mention sponsership.

Prefer Tango. :money_mouth_face:

1 Like
9

Which is another good reason to drink something fast so you need a pee and aren’t stuck in dope control any longer than necessary!

10

I am waiting for the day a diet coke gets offered at the finish line.

Rider: “WTF is this, I’ve just raced 4 hours” throws can and gets DQ’d… lol.

4 Likes
11

If you can bring me one, i´ll take it.

12

Thanks for the answer. I understand the rush part now much better.

But I am still confused with the fact that it is specific a Fanta and not a normal sports drink.

13

You don’t need the other stuff in a sports drink afterwards. Just sugar. A little protein wouldn’t hurt, but calories are what you’re after.

14

Rider preference I suppose. If you ever see Sagan winning again, you’ll notice he downs a handful of Gummybears rather quickly after a victory.

It’s really about the sugar. Especially in a stage Race, it’s important to begin the recovery the second after you finished a stage. That also includes fueling.

Also: there isn’t really any difference between Fanta (or any Soda) and Sportsdrinks. Just the taste and the marketing.

15

There was a local Tri club where someone new to the club was asked to bring Coke to a training day and I’m not sure if it was on sale or if he thought he should get the healthy option but he brought Diet and people were not happy.

4 Likes
16

A sugary soda is a great immediate post hard ride recovery fuel. Lots of sugar and (ideally) some caffeine. Try it sometime and the you will immediately understand!

Why Fanta? Fanta is pretty popular in Europe, not a niche brand like in the US, so its not as weird a choice as it might seem. Could be sponsorship too. Coke owns Fanta so there is the resources to pay to have it at the finish.

1 Like
17

Fanta in Europe is AMAZING

3 Likes
18

Dang, you beat me to it :wink:

19

we all know the real reason!

1 Like
20

Lemon Fanta is where its at.

1 Like