ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of evidence-based eating patterns which meet the athletic demands of cycling, while promoting healthy growth and development in young athletes. Cycling places unique nutritional needs on its athletes, as it is among the most energetically demanding of all sports. The concept of energy availability is a useful way to conceptualize the caloric needs of youth athletes. Additional protein intake may be necessary in some individuals, particularly vegetarian athletes with low caloric intake. Carbohydrate is an important energy source during cycling, particularly when activity is performed at moderate to vigorous intensities. Carbohydrate ingestion during endurance exercise has been clearly shown to enhance performance in adult athletes, particularly during prolonged events. Athletes should be advised to avoid fluid intake at rates exceeding losses during exercise, and to consume beverages/foods with sodium during prolonged exercise. Foods should be emphasized that provide sufficient amounts of micronutrients commonly deficient in the diets of young athletes, including calcium/vitamin D and iron.
