Why use 02 During: Gel

Both our gel and drink mix contain the same no-nonsense mix of 45 g of multi-source carbs and 343 mg of sodium. We did this for a couple of reasons: 

1. Highly functional and cost-efficient: 02 During contains a lot of carbohydrates per serving. That’s because many athletes, for the sake of convenience or cost, often don't get the right amount of carbohydrates in per hour. Then, on race day or the day before, many suddenly switch brands or to a much higher carbohydrate intake per hour, which will negatively impact performance. Victus wanted to solve this by drastically reducing the number of units you need to use (and thus the costs) per hour, so you can be consistent and train with your race products. The price per unit might be higher than you're used to, but the cost per hour, training, or race is significantly reduced this way.
2. Highly functional and cost-efficient: 02 During contains a lot of carbohydrates per serving. That’s because many athletes, for the sake of convenience or cost, often don't get the right amount of carbohydrates in per hour. Then, on race day or the day before, many suddenly switch brands or to a much higher carbohydrate intake per hour, which will negatively impact performance. Victus wanted to solve this by drastically reducing the number of units you need to use (and thus the costs) per hour, so you can be consistent and train with your race products. The price per unit might be higher than you're used to, but the cost per hour, training, or race is significantly reduced this way.
3. Drink + gel... and not the other way around! Victus first launched their drink mix because they wanted to emphasise the importance of hydration. Adequate fluid intake is not only crucial for regulating your body temperature, lubricating your joints, or transporting carbohydrates and salts, and for many other reasons as well. So, when planning your next session, don't just think "carbs, carbs, sodium, carbs!", as you simply won't achieve what you aim for. Your first choice should always be the drink mix if you can choose between the two, and supplement it with the gel if you want to take in 90 g/h. If you can't carry as much water with you, make sure to drink enough water at the water stops.
   

Key Benefits of 02 During: Gel

• Their drink-gel combination is the most efficient and effective choice for those who want to assist their performance during longer or intense sessions. Both the gel and the drink mix are formulated with both mono- and polysaccharide carbohydrates derived from maltodextrin (DE9), glucose, and fructose. This ensures optimal and consistent energy levels while minimising any chance of GI issues.
• To support efficient hydration, each unit of 02 During contains 343 mg of sodium, which is the only electrolyte that's significantly lost through sweat and thus the most important electrolyte to replenish. 
• Given the concentrated carbohydrate content in each unit, you can streamline your hourly intake to just one or two units. This not only simplifies your training regimen and reduces what you need to carry but also ensures you're maximising value with every session. This way, you're always powered by race-quality products.

Training your gut

"Training" encompasses much more than simply hitting the tarmac or crushing your 1's and 2's. If you aim to push your boundaries, it means training your gut as well. Training with the specific carbohydrate quantities, types, and forms (such as gels or drinks) that you intend to use during the next event or race can help minimise discomfort and optimize your carbohydrate intake. Using "cost-efficient" products during training, just to switch to different, "high-quality" or "premium" products on race day, is not a wise decision. You wouldn't practice on a tricycle to go competing in the Tour de France. Stick with what you know and trust; it's not the time for surprises - and off-season is the best time to test out a new system. Timing...