Photo credit: Rémi Fabrègue ZVG SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team
The mountainbike pro about his nutrition in competition
Lars Forster from St. Gallen is one of the emerging stars in Swiss cycling. Little Lars (*1993) practically grew up with the mountain bike. From childhood on he rode trails, practiced jumps and worked on his riding technique. So it's not surprising that he is now one with the best technical skills and plays out his strengths especially in wet, technically demanding conditions. In this interview, Lars Forster reveals some secrets in his nutrition and explains what to pay attention to when racing.
Lars, how important is nutrition in everyday life for you as a top athlete?
Nutrition plays a major role in the life of a top athlete. But I do not follow a strict plan. I take care to eat a balanced and healthy diet.
Do you cook yourself?
My girlfriend and I alternate with cooking. My favourite dish is rice noodles with vegetables and coconut cream.
What are your favourite products in competition and training?
My favourite SPONSER product is the COMPETITION® sports drink during competition. At present I especially like the taste Cool Mint. After a hard training I always look forward to the PRO RECOVERY Shake Vanilla.
What is the most important advice you give an ambitious mountain biker regarding food and nutrition?
My most important advice is to test the products sufficiently in training to find out what works best in competition under physical stress. It is a tightrope walk: If you eat too little, your power decreases. If you consume too much, stomach problems are imminent.
What do you like to eat/drink most to celebrate a victory?
I like best to celebrate a good race with pizza and a glass of wine.
When it comes to nutrition, have you ever really messed up a competition that you were annoyed about afterwards?
A long time ago, before a Wednesday evening street race, I felt too hungry before the start. Out of a joking mood, I and others ate a bratwurst before the start, knowing of course that this would not come well. Which proved to be true...
