The Breck Epic MTB Stage Race is pleased to announce the addition of GU Energy Labs as its official energy food partner. The annual 6-day mountain bike event is among the first of a series of competitions to be grouped under GU’s Roctane Ultra-Endurance brand, designating it an hors categorie, or beyond classification event.
“The requirement of all partnerships is that they make the race experience better for our athletes,” states race director Mike McCormack, “GU really did their homework. Their input will enhance the on-course experience and provide multiple opportunities for endurance athletes everywhere to increase their understanding of the fueling and recovery strategies necessary for longer efforts. We’re a better race with them involved.”
GU’s efforts will integrate with the Epic several times over the next several months.
All registered athletes will receive a pre-race sampler of GU products plus discounts to help facilitate product familiarity prior to the event.
Athletes will receive a sampler pack at packet pickup stocked with ample product for the first two stages.
GU will staff a recharging station each night where athletes can consult with GU staff and reboot their supplies using consumption rates from that day’s stage.
GU will also host a series of live online Q&A events with experts in race-related topics including the energy and nutrition requirements during sustained efforts, Single Speed Stage Race World Championships and equipment setup for the Breck Epic’s unique terrain.
“When athletes commit to an event requiring six days of consecutive racing they need heavy-duty nutrition to allow their bodies to consistently perform at maximum capacity,” said GU Energy Marketing Manager Adam Boone. “Roctane Ultra Endurance is designed to provide athletes consistent, powerful energy and hydration through the entire duration of ultra endurance events just like the Epic – it’s a great match.”
Over the next few weeks organizers of the Epic along with their partners at GU Energy will be assembling panelists for each online chat. Chat panelists will include some of the leading coaches from CTS as GU’s top nutrition experts. We’ll also sprinkle in past Epic champions and participants, top wrenches to discuss reality-based equipment and a small army of single-speeders to dissect the unique insanity that is the Single Speed Stage Race World Championships. Epic participants along with stage racers and ultra-endurance athletes across the world are invited to join. Here’s a look at the schedule:
May 31, 2012: Performance Energy Basics for the Breck Epic
June 7, 2012: Bike setup 101 for Summit County
June 14, 2012: Recovery in Stage Racing
June 21, 2012: Single Speed Stage Race World Championships
June 28, 2012: Q&A with Epic Athletes
July 5, 2012: Breckenridge, CO – What you and your crew need to know
Gu - Stand up and be counted
Stay tuned to the Epic site for additional details on each chat. More details on the GU Energy / Breck Epic partnership as well as many other delectable bon mots of juvenile delinquency thinly disguised as race information coming soon including three largish charity announcements (Summit Fat Tire Society, IMBA, Willa’s Wheels and the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District,) the #SSSRWC jersey design competition (have YOU voted on our FB page yet?) and your chance to race the 2012 Epic for FREE. That’s right. Free. Which isn’t to suggest that you won’t earn it.
Got a few spots left for 2012. Click here to registrate yo’self, foo: