Best Energy Drinks for Cycling Events

Whether you are lining up for a local sportive, tackling a gran fondo, or racing a full-distance triathlon, your energy drink strategy can make or break your ride.

Cycling events demand sustained power output, steady fuelling, and smart hydration. Get it right and you hold your pace. Get it wrong and you are battling the dreaded bonk.

Why Energy Drinks Matter in Cycling

Unlike shorter efforts, most cycling events last well beyond 90 minutes. Once you are past that mark, muscle glycogen begins to drop rapidly. Without consistent carbohydrate intake, power output falls and perceived effort climbs.

For most cyclists, the goal is to consume:

• 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour for events over 2 hours
• Up to 90 to 120 grams per hour for experienced riders using dual-carb formulas

Energy drinks are ideal because they combine carbohydrate and electrolytes in one bottle. This makes them easy to sip regularly without needing to open gels or chew solid food while riding at speed.

What to Look for in a Cycling Energy Drink

Not all energy drinks are created equal. Here is what matters when choosing one for your next event.

Dual carbohydrate sources: Glucose and fructose blends allow higher carbohydrate absorption rates compared to single-source sugars.

Electrolytes: Sodium is key for replacing sweat losses and maintaining fluid balance.

Gut tolerance: A well-formulated drink should be easy on the stomach, especially when intensity rises or conditions are hot.

Mix flexibility: Some drinks allow you to adjust carb concentration depending on race duration and fuelling strategy.

Here are some great energy drinks to support you during your next cycling event:

STYRKR MIX90

For high-intensity and long-duration cycling events, STYRKR MIX90 is built for big carb delivery. Each serving provides up to 90g of dual-source carbohydrates using a unique ratio, helping maximise carbohydrate uptake and reduce the risk of gut overload.

It is ideal for races where fuelling opportunities are limited and you need to carry significant carbohydrate in fewer bottles. Riders targeting 90g per hour can often hit their numbers with just one bottle, simplifying race-day logistics.

TORQ Energy Drink

TORQ Energy Drink has long been a staple in endurance cycling. It combines multiple transportable carbohydrates with a measured electrolyte profile, supporting both energy delivery and hydration in one solution.

Its lighter consistency can work well for riders who prefer a less concentrated drink and combine it with gels or bars to reach their hourly carb targets.

VOOM Fusion Fuel Energy Drink

VOOM Fusion Fuel is a versatile option for training rides and race day alike. It delivers a blend of carbohydrates and electrolytes to support sustained energy and hydration. The formulation is designed to be smooth and easy to drink, even during harder efforts.

This makes it a strong choice for sportive riders or those stepping up to longer events who want a reliable, balanced energy drink without overcomplicating their fuelling plan.

FAQs

How many bottles should I carry in a cycling event?

It depends on event length and feed station access. Many riders aim for one bottle per hour, adjusting concentration based on carb targets.

Can I rely on energy drinks alone?

For shorter events, yes. For longer events, many cyclists combine drinks with gels or bars to comfortably hit higher carb intakes.

Should I use caffeine in my drink?

Caffeine can enhance performance, but dosage should be practised in training. Many riders prefer to use caffeine later in the event when fatigue sets in.

Summary

Energy drinks are one of the most efficient ways to fuel cycling events. They allow you to combine carbohydrate and electrolytes in a format that is easy to consume at speed.

Dial in your carb targets, practise in training, and use tools like our Nutrition Calculator to personalise your approach.