Bytager the publication "Haribo post-race: the peloton's sweet ritual explained"
We already talked about it at the beginning of the week in our article on 90 to 120 g of carbohydrates per hour in endurance: modern cycling is no longer limited to effort, but to the love of sugar in all its forms... And if the trend towards sugary gels and bottles is clear, what happens at the finish is pure spectacle. Your new favorite ritual? A handful of Haribo directly in the mouth. Yes, absolutely.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: DR
The Sagan phenomenon: star + sugar = love story
The first to make it a highly visible ritual? Peter Sagan, world champion and entertainer par excellence. When he won Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne in 2018, he threw himself into Haribo Gold Bears as soon as he crossed the finish line, in the middle of an interview, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
According to Cycling Today, after his victory, Sagan abandoned the shakes protein and chooses a bag of sweets followed by a beer. Even Cycling Weekly headlined: " Sagan prefers Haribo to post-race interviews " There, the image is set.
But then, is it just a matter of taste or is there a physiological reason?
In reality, there is a very scientific explanation. Dr. Allen Lim (Skratch Labs) explains: “ For highly trained cyclists like Sagan, recovery isn't so much about muscle repair as it is about recharging. Muscles aren't destroyed; it's glycogen stores that are depleted. And to replenish them, nothing beats pure, quickly absorbed sugar. »
In terms of composition, European Haribos use a mixture of glucose and fructose. And this is where it gets interesting: by combining two transporters (one for glucose, one for fructose), absorption increases to 1,4–1,6 g/min, much faster than with a single type of sugar.
Remco and his “Fanta power”
And it's not just the arrival that has become a sweet festival. The start too! Remco Evenepoel has revealed his pre-time trial ritual: brioche pistolekes, raspberry jam, banana, honey, a few slices of chicken... and half a liter of Fanta to wash it all down. Since his junior years, he's sworn by it, and assures us that with this improbable combination, he almost never misses the podium.
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We're a far cry from the clichéd image of dieticians who swear by plain rice and dried chicken. Remco takes responsibility, he laughs, and he wins. Which proves that sugar, in all its forms, has not finished dictating its laws to the peloton..
And for amateurs?
Speaking on Bicycling, nutritionist Stacy Sims confirms: Candies like gummy bears, with their high glycemic index, are perfect for instantly raising blood sugar levels after exerciseCoach and former pro Adam Myerson adds two practical uses: first, during a race or long run, where a few sweets are easy to take with you and effective; second, in the case of a severe hypo, where a Snickers and a Coke can literally save the day.
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TestScientists: Simple works too
A study by the University of Montana even showed that, under certain conditions, classic fast foods (hamburgers, fries) are no less effective than isotonics or specialized bars for reconreplenish post-exercise glycogen. In short: as long as you give your body sugar, it replenishes its reserves.The rest is marketing.
Haribo vs. gels: a draw on the essentials
When you compare candies and dedicated products, the differences are simple. Gels and drinks are practical, calibrated, and enriched with minerals. Haribo is blunt: sugar, period. But they're fun, inexpensive, available everywhere, and most importantly... they make you smile. And In a peloton where suffering is the norm, this touch of pleasure counts as much as the rest..
Beware of digestion
Coach Jim Rutberg (CTS) qualifies: “ A pack of Haribos after the race, why not? But only if your body absorbs them well. " The warning is clear: outside of exercise, it's a blood sugar bomb that can weigh you down. For a pro who has just burned 5 calories, it's a breeze. For the amateur returning from a 000-mile club outing, it's a different story.
In summary way 3bikes
We started the week talking about 120g of carbohydrates per hour. We end with the handful of Haribo crocodiles. Between science, pop culture, and childhood fun, the gesture has become a symbol. Sagan launched it, Remco amplified it with his Fanta Power, and a whole generation followed.
So, should you copy? If you want raw efficiency, yes, it works. If you want the same image as Sagan or the same smile as Remco, why not. But remember: professional cycling is an extreme showcase. For us, simple enthusiasts, the packet of Haribo or the glass of Fanta is rather to be savored as a nod to the peloton, not as an obligation.
Basically, the real lesson is this: Sugar may be science, but it's also pleasure.And in a sport where everything is precise, it's good to see that sometimes a candy or a soda can still make the difference.
