Best pre-workout for cycling: Featured supplements

If you're wondering what the best pre-workout for cycling is, the answer isn't a single magic formula. The real secret lies in preparing your body with the right energy, hydration, and nutrients before you hit the bike.

A good pre-workout can make the difference between a run with sustained power and a day full of energy dips or cramps.

In this article you will discover which supplements will help you boost your performance before training , how to choose the most suitable one according to your needs, and why opting for natural options can be the best strategy for cyclists of all levels.

The importance of pre-workout nutrition for cyclists

During cycling, your body relies primarily on muscle and liver glycogen stores for energy. However, these stores are limited: after 90 minutes of intense effort, they can be depleted if you haven't properly carbohydrate- and caffeine-loaded beforehand.

The pre-workout has three key objectives:

1. Increase energy reserves (glycogen and available carbohydrates).
2. Delaying muscle and mental fatigue by optimizing oxygen use.
3. Prepare the nervous and cardiovascular systems for exertion.
   
   

Proper nutrition in the two hours prior can significantly improve your average power, cadence, and recovery capacity during training or competition.

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Featured pre-workout supplements

The most effective supplements to use before cycling are those that provide quick energy, stimulate the nervous system, and optimize muscle capacity.

Here we show you the most relevant ones according to scientific evidence and the experience of Fanté athletes.

Energy gels

Fanté energy gels are the most practical pre-workout for cyclists. They provide a balanced combination of fast and slow carbohydrates that raise glucose levels without causing insulin spikes or digestive discomfort.

Fanté gels use a 1:0.8 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, which allows you to take advantage of both intestinal absorption pathways (SGLT1 and GLUT5) and maximize energy availability.

Take an energy gel 15–20 minutes before training:

• It increases performance and endurance.
• It prevents early fatigue.
• Improves mental concentration from the start of the session.

Ideal for: outings of more than 60 minutes or intense sessions where the energy demand will be high.

If you're looking for an easy and efficient way to boost your energy during every workout, Fanté energy gels are the perfect solution. Discover more about how to incorporate them into your routine here: gel according to your workout .

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Caffeine supplements

Caffeine is one of the most studied and effective ergogenic aids for improving cycling performance.

Consumed before training, it stimulates the central nervous system, improves alertness and increases perceived exertion , allowing you to maintain intensity for longer.

Fanté's caffeine gels combine 100mg of natural caffeine with dual-absorption carbohydrates, boosting both physical performance and mental focus.

Main benefits:

• It increases fat oxidation while preserving glycogen.
• Improves coordination and focus.
• It delays the onset of fatigue.
  

Recommendation: Take 30–45 minutes before training or racing , and avoid combining with other sources of caffeine if you are sensitive.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate is an increasingly popular supplement among cyclists looking to improve performance in high-intensity efforts.

Its main function is to act as a buffer against lactic acid , delaying muscle acidosis and allowing high power outputs to be maintained for longer.

Fanté has developed FANTÉ BUFFER , a ready-to-use bicarbonate formula with precise dosage, ideal for cyclists seeking performance without digestive discomfort.

How to use it:
Take between 60 and 90 minutes before the main effort or intense competition.

Perfect for: time trials, long climbs, or demanding interval training.

How to choose the best pre-workout for cycling according to your needs?

Every cyclist has a different metabolism and tolerance. To choose the best pre-workout for cycling , consider:

• Duration and intensity of training:
  If it's short and explosive → choose caffeine and bicarbonate.
  If it's long and constant → prioritize sustained carbohydrates.
• Environmental conditions:
  With heat, add electrolytes and sodium to prevent dehydration.
• Digestive sensitivity:
  Opt for natural gels without fragrances or preservatives, such as those from Fanté, to avoid gastric discomfort.
• Time of day:
  If you train in the afternoon or evening, use caffeine-free versions so as not to disrupt your sleep.

Benefits of a natural pre-workout for cycling

Natural pre-workouts are the best option for those seeking performance without overloading the body with artificial stimulants or additives.

If you're wondering what the best natural pre-workouts are, you should keep in mind that the most important thing is that they use functional ingredients (carbohydrates, natural caffeine, sodium, fruit extracts or betaine) in proportions adapted to the athlete's body.

Advantages over synthetic pre-workout supplements:

• Improved digestion and intestinal assimilation.
• No artificial colors or flavors.
• They prevent the feeling of a "crash" after the stimulating peak.
• They promote energy consistency throughout the session.

Fanté has been committed to this philosophy since its inception: natural nutrition, based on scientific evidence and without unnecessary ingredients.

Therefore, their gels and recovery products are ideal for use as a natural pre-workout and to maintain balanced performance, without overloading the body.

Choosing the best pre-workout for cycling doesn't mean looking for a miracle product, but understanding how to prepare your body to perform at its best.

A good pre-workout combines energy, activation and balance , adapting to the type of training, duration and intensity.

Energy gels, caffeine, and bicarbonate are scientifically backed tools that, when used correctly, can improve your power, delay fatigue, and keep you consistent even during the toughest stages.

Even so, the key lies in naturalness and evidence: opting for supplements designed by professionals who respect the athlete's physiology.

At Fanté we believe that nutrition should be functional, clean and effective , which is why the products in our sports nutrition store are formulated to make every pedal stroke count.