Elevation gain, altitude, summer heat… at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, every detail matters—not only to enjoy the experience, but also to perform at your best. Nutrition is a key part of the equation, which is why Overstim.s has been a long-standing partner of the event.
What if you added the new Gums Ultra to your race nutrition strategy?
Why Are Energy Gums a Good Fit for the Alpe d'Huez Triathlon?
During endurance events, it’s common to grow tired of energy gels, while bars can become difficult to chew and swallow as fatigue sets in. To bring more variety to your nutrition plan, it’s worth diversifying your energy sources and formats. Alternating between gels, bars, fruit purées and energy gums can help keep fueling both effective and enjoyable throughout the race.
A long-standing partner of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon, Overstim.s has introduced a new range of energy gums this year. Their soft, gel-like texture makes them particularly easy to consume: you can either chew them or simply let them dissolve in your mouth. They’re also easier to take in small amounts, as each stick contains several individual gums. Unlike gels, they won’t leak into your pocket if you don’t finish the entire stick at once.
The Science Behind Overstim.s Gums Ultra
In triathlon, several minerals play a key role in supporting performance:
- Magnesium helps reduce fatigue and contributes to electrolyte balance.
- Calcium contributes to normal muscle function. It also plays a role in nerve transmission and normal energy metabolism.
- Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost through sweat. It helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and contributes to replacing minerals lost during exercise.
Overstim.s Gums Ultra contain 32 g of carbohydrates, the body’s primary fuel source during endurance exercise, along with magnesium, calcium and sodium to help support your effort throughout the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. They are a valuable ally for reaching the finish line with confidence.
Good to know: Overstim.s also offers a caffeinated version, providing 80 mg of caffeine per serving.
When and How Should You Use Overstim.s Gums Ultra?
Gums Ultra can be used as an alternative to traditional energy gels and bars during exercise and should be consumed at regular intervals throughout the race.
According to current sports nutrition recommendations, carbohydrate intake should range between 30 and 60 g per hour during shorter endurance events such as a sprint triathlon, and between 60 and 90 g per hour for longer-distance races. In addition to an energy drink, this typically translates to one pack of four Gums Ultra per hour for a Sprint distance race, and two packs of four Gums Ultra per hour for a Long Distance race.
Fueling should begin within the first 30 to 45 minutes of exercise to maintain a steady supply of energy, followed by additional intake every 20 to 30 minutes. To avoid flavor fatigue, consider alternating between different nutrition formats such as sports drinks, bars, fruit purées, gels and gums.
The caffeinated version can be consumed 30 to 60 minutes before the start of the race, or during longer events when an additional boost may be beneficial. As always, be mindful not to exceed recommended caffeine intake levels.
You’ll find Gums Ultra at aid stations throughout the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon course, as well as at the Overstim.s booth—arguably the liveliest spot in the Expo Village—all week long during the event.