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!

4

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

5

To feel fantastic obviously

6

Don’t you want a fanta?

7

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

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!

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.

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.

17

Fanta in Europe is AMAZING

18

Dang, you beat me to it :wink:

19

we all know the real reason!

20

Lemon Fanta is where its at.

21

Because it’s got a lot of simple carbs…and, maybe most important, because they like it. If you like gummy bears you might get gummy bears (as Sagan famously did once). If you watch riders usually get a carb drink immediately followed by something to hydrate.

22

IIRC - I was listening to a podcast from that featured a team chef, she said that they often allow the riders to have a soda after a win. I assume while training these guys skip out on the junky food, such as soda.

23

Good question to ask would be: is the area behind the finish line a “green zone”

24

after drinking sports drink for 5h on the bike, the last thing you want to drink is a sports drink :wink: