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From Ironman Racing to Trail Running: Why Daan de Beer Changed Direction

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:22:56 GMT

After an intense year of highly structured, goal-driven training, the summer of 2025 revolved entirely around one major challenge for Daan de Beer: finishing the full Ironman Klagenfurt. Sixteen days later, he was back on the start line, this time at Challenge Roth. Both races were completed successfully, but it was precisely after crossing these long-awaited finish lines that an unexpected shift followed. Daan consciously made the switch to trail running.

“I was completely done with the asphalt.”

From Ironman Structure to Physical Overload

The preparation for Ironman Klagenfurt consisted of months of training hours on asphalt, in the pool, and on the bike. Multiple marathons were part of the build-up, and nearly every session was guided by target pace, wattage, or heart rate. Both Ironman and Challenge Roth were impressive experiences, but they also demanded a lot from the body. Daan also noticed that he no longer looked around him during training. He started trail running initially as a way to recover calmly from his races. “I consciously switched to trail running to let go of pace targets and enjoy the nature around me,” says Daan.

Why Trails Made the Difference

What motivates Daan most about trail running is that nature sets the pace. Steep climbs, technical descents, and constantly changing terrain make every session different. Trail running stays fun and varied because the environment naturally slows you down or pushes you forward.

First Ultra Experience: ASICS SaintéLyon

At the end of November, Daan lined up for his first ultra-trail: the ASICS SaintéLyon in France. This is a night race run largely on unpaved roads, using a headlamp. In the dark, surrounded by silence, the race was defined by ankle-deep mud, sharp stones, and slippery descents. The combination of night running and varied terrain made this a unique first ultra-trail experience.

Nutrition as a Constant Factor

Whether on asphalt or on trails, a sharp nutrition plan remains essential. The evening before and the morning of a race, Daan focuses on carb loading: a high carbohydrate intake to fully replenish energy stores.

General guideline: 8-12 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per day for 24-48 hours

In the start corral, Daan often chooses a Cola Caffeine Drink Gel. This is his favorite Amacx product. “Just like a real glass of cola,” says Daan. During the race, he sticks to a simple and consistent structure: fueling every 20–30 minutes, alternating between a Drink Gel and an Energy Fruit Chew.

At aid stations, Daan also regularly takes salty crackers or pretzels for variety and extra sodium intake. And in races where he’s aiming for a specific time, the final two gels are always Caffeine Drink Gels. They work perfectly for that last extra boost.

Why Amacx Fits Trail Running

“I’m a huge fan of Amacx products because the gels are actually thin enough to drink and have a pleasant consistency. I always carry Energy Nougat Bars and Energy Fruit Chews in my trail pack for variety. The flavors are really good and not overpowering, which means I don’t experience ‘flavor fatigue’ like I do with other brands. That’s a crucial factor for me, especially during long training sessions or races.”

In Conclusion

Trail running has become a valuable addition for Daan. It brings balance, enhances body awareness, and serves as a reminder that performance starts with enjoyment. Sometimes progress isn’t about training harder, but about daring to slow down. Several exciting goals are already on the calendar for the coming year, including the Seville Marathon, the Gran Fondo La Marmotte, and the SGRAIL100 trail triathlon in Girona.

A tip from Daan if you’re just starting with trail running:

“Let go of a target time and let the terrain and nature guide you. Speed will follow naturally. Listen to your body and don’t forget to enjoy it.”

Gravel Race Nutrition: How Alison Jackson Fuels Gravel Burn

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:08:37 GMT

It’s always a pleasure to talk with Alison Jackson . The Canadian international rider — a three-time Canadian national road champion and winner of the vaunted Paris-Roubaix Femmes in 2023 — brings equal parts performance drive and infectious energy to everything she does. We met last week ahead of the upcoming Gravel Burn event and left inspired.

At Amacx, we’re proud to be a sponsor of Nedbank Gravel Burn , supporting riders at every stage of the race. Our nutrition will be available at the event’s iconic padstals (the aid and nutrition stations where riders refuel each day) and our team will be on the ground following our athletes like Alison Jackson and Tom Pidcock throughout the week. It’s the perfect setting to showcase what fueling smartly can do when adventure meets performance.

Nedbank Gravel Burn is a once in a lifetime experience: it’s a seven-stage, approximately 800 km solo gravel stage race across South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape, with roughly 11,000 m of climbing through forests, Karoo semi-desert and bushveld terrain. It kicks off 26 October and runs through 1 November 2025. This is Alison’s first time racing this style of event, and it’s the kind of adventure she’s drawn to.

From Prairie Roads to Gravel Worlds

“I grew up in Canada, in a small town where about 75% of the roads were gravel,” Alison said. “So, in a way, I’ve always ridden gravel, even before it was cool.”

In the past years, gravel events came in quieter weeks of her road calendar. “I filled some open weeks with gravel events. It felt like training, but fun. You can ride hard without it being about pure results.”

Now, she’s bringing that mindset into Nedbank Gravel Burn: a professional rider with serious form, yet ready to embrace the fun, the unknown and the scenery.

A Journey Within a Journey

Alison’s road season in 2025 has already been strong. She placed fifth in Paris-Roubaix and followed that with a seventh place finish at the Amstel Gold Race. She also claimed the Canadian road race national title for the third time this year.

For her, accepting the Gravel Burn invitation wasn’t just about racing; it was about the broader experience. “I wanted to connect it all,” she said: the travel, the volunteering (she recently spent time with the NGO Hope Ethiopia), and then this week of gravel racing. “It’s all part of one story.”

Friend and fellow rider Maddy Nutt gave the final push: “She just said, ‘You have to come, it’s going to be so fun,’ and that was enough for me,” Alison smiled.

Fueling for Performance (Even When It’s for Fun)

Just because this is a “fun” event doesn’t mean the performance side takes a backseat. In fact, in a multi-day gravel race like this one, nutrition, hydration and recovery are fundamental.

Alison explained: “I’m restarting my season here — so I won’t be at 100 % peak form, but I’m detrained and really fresh. I want to see where that takes me.”

The nature of the event demands a smart approach: seven stage days, long hours, remote terrain, fluctuating temperature, and limited downtime each night. Riders will face warm daytime temperatures (the Karoo region typically sees highs in the mid-20s °C in October, dropping sharply at night). That means careful hydration, electrolyte balance, attention to how the body is changing across days. It’s extra important when it’s not just one big effort, but repeated efforts.

Alison’s plan: bring the core nutrition from the start. “The Amacx Turbo products are great because you can pack in more carbs in one shot, and I’ll mix those with Amacx Hydro Tabs for electrolytes. I’m targeting around 100 g of carbs per hour and in the first few days my plan is to not stop at the padstals. We’ll see how that feels early on.

For recovery: “After each stage I’ll go for the Cherry Juice and a liter of fluids right after the finish. Plus, Amacx Recovery Shake with milk in the hours that follow. And I honestly love the Salted Caramel Recovery Bar too, that’s my go-to snack.”

Given the terrain and remote nature of the event (sharp rocks, washboard roads, long climbs) riders will inevitably face some fatigue. Nutrition and recovery become the difference between enjoying the experience and simply surviving it, and as Amacx, we’re super proud to fuel our athletes with this in mind.

Sleeping Bags, Campfires and Community

During the race week, Alison will be riding and staying in the full “camp life” set-up: single-occupancy canvas tents and shared fire-side meals with other riders. How does she feel about that?

“One of my superpowers is being able to sleep anywhere, anytime,” she laughed. “Even in Ethiopia I was roughing it, so this will feel pretty normal.”

But it’s more than comfort, it’s her mindset that impresses us the most. “I think everything is awesome,” she said. “Even if something goes wrong or you don’t sleep well, it’s still a story to tell later. That’s what makes it great.”

Gravel Burn also has a strong community vibe. Pros are riding alongside ambitious amateurs, sharing daily stories, supporting each other on some of the toughest terrain. “When you do something hard together, you make real connections,” Alison reflected. “Whether you’re a pro or amateur, you ride the same kilometres and that creates a shared experience.”

Gravel, But Make It Fun

When asked what she’s packing that we might not expect, Alison grinned. “Yes, I’m bringing a Halloween costume, it will be a surprise for everyone.” Classic Alison: a pro athlete who knows how to have a laugh. “At the end of the day,” she said, “I’m here because I love the bike. You can still have high-performance goals and have fun doing it.”

And in case you doubted it, yes - when things get tough on those long stages, she’ll have a soundtrack ready: Better Now by Post Malone. “That’ll be in my head when the legs burn. Because things are going to get better now.”

Amacx at Gravel Burn

At Amacx we’re honoured to support Alison and her team EF Education–Oatly through this iconic week of gravel racing. As the official nutrition partner of Gravel Burn, we’ll be providing fuel, hydration and recovery support to all riders from the feed zones to the Burn Camps. With world-class athletes like Alison trusting our products when the terrain, temperature and stakes demand it, we’re confident we’re staying true to our philosophy: Fueling Made Easy. Easy to count, easy for your gut and easy to enjoy.

The Closing Word

Gravel Burn is a reminder that cycling isn’t always about chasing the next podium. It’s about the ride, the terrain, the people and the memories. Nutrition is what lets you show up, day after day, sustainably. Hydration, recovery and the right fuel aren’t extras, they’re the foundation. Alison Jackson knows that. We know that. And at Amacx we believe that when you bring the right fuel, the right mindset and a spirit of adventure, extraordinary things can happen.

Here’s to seven days, 800 km and one unforgettable gravel week.

Photo credits: Getty Images & Yannick Schurwanz.

Elite Performance Nutrition: How Top Athletes Fuel to Win

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:08:37 GMT

UAE ADQ’s Two TdF Femmes Stages And Pavlyuchenkova’s World Top-50 Season

What does it take to fuel two stage wins at the Tour de France Femmes or a world number 44 tennis player? We sat down with Gino Devriendt—nutritionist to UAE Team ADQ and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova—to explore the science, strategy, and human nuance behind elite performance nutrition.

From Fueling Plans to Personalized Plates

Nutrition at this level is about more than carbs and calories. Gino builds day-to-day strategies for each rider using performance data synced directly from training files. The process? Anticipate the demands of the day, calculate what’s been burned, and deliver the exact amount of fuel to restore, repair, and ready the athlete for the next stage. It is important to calculate exactly what each rider needs to stay in energy balance, because when you’re racing back-to-back stages, you can’t afford to dig yourself into a deficit.

"My role is to strategically manage their energy balance so they're always one step ahead of the race." - Gino Devriendt

To make this possible, Gino uses TrainingPeaks data and custom software that syncs a rider’s watts and output to create a tailored nutrition plan—right down to the gram. If Elisa Longo Borghini burns 3,000 kcal and Brodie Chapman burns 2,200 kcal, their plates may look similar, but the quantities are dialed in precisely.

Nutrition in Motion: During the Race

Climbers, sprinters, domestiques — each athlete races a different kind of race. Two riders on the same team may end the stage with wildly different requirements. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Gino works with each rider to build an in-race fueling strategy that fits their physiology and preferences. Also, absorption, tolerance, and the realities of racing (like heat or gut discomfort) all come into play.

“Nutrition is science—but it’s also deeply personal.” - Gino Devriendt

Gino maps fueling points onto race profiles. He accounts for heat, effort, and timing to decide when to recommend turbo gels, isotonic drinks, or bars. Riders are encouraged to aim for 100–130g of carbs per hour, but individual response drives the final plan.

What about fueling a tennis-player on pro level?

Gino also supports top-level athletes outside of cycling — including tennis player and Amacx athlete Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Anastasia is a Grand Slam finalist, Olympic gold medalist, and former world No. 11 — with 12 WTA singles titles, six in doubles, and over 50 Grand Slam appearances. One of the tour’s most consistent and versatile players, she’s now focusing on recovery and nutrition, leaving nothing to chance as she adapts to the later stages of her career to stay strong to compete at the highest level.

The crossover brings fresh insights: fueling for explosive movement vs. endurance, managing unpredictable match times, and working with athletes that are new to sports nutrition. Gino targets 60–75g of carbs/hour for matches for Anastasia, leaning on quick-absorbing options that match intensity.

“She was underfueling—now we’ve implemented structured pre-match and in-game fueling with Amacx. It’s a game-changer.” - Gino Devriendt

Gino works with athletes across football and volleyball too. He notices that nutritional awareness varies between sports. In classical endurance disciplines such as cycling, where fuel intake is directly linked to performance, athletes tend to be more advanced in their knowledge and habits. In team and skill-based sports like football and volleyball, the role of nutrition has historically been less in the spotlight — but that is changing fast. More and more players are recognizing how the right fueling strategy can help them prepare for a match, recover quicker, and even reduce the risk of injuries. While the connection may never be identical to endurance sports, the awareness is growing every season, and nutrition is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for team athletes to raise their level.

Just like Gino, we at Amacx are on a mission to close that gap — spreading knowledge, elevating standards, and helping more athletes in more sports fuel with purpose. Because when your body gets what it truly needs, it enables athletes to unlock their full potential.

Summary

Despite the science, it always comes back to reality. Some riders want 130g of carbs per hour. Some can’t tolerate tomatoes. Some forget to eat. That’s why Gino and other nutritionists are there, not to control, but to guide, adapt, and help them go further help them go further by using science and high quality nutrition.

If there’s one thing to learn from Gino’s approach, it’s this: precision matters. But it’s not just about hitting the numbers — it’s about listening, too. Whether you’re racing the Giro or training for your next marathon, your nutrition plan needs to match your performance demands and respect what your body can actually handle. Real precision means finding that balance between science and individual feedback, and building from there.

And if you're not sure what’s right for your race? It might be time to stop guessing and start planning with the right fuel, at the right time, in the right format.

“Fueling is the one thing athletes can fully control. When they get it right, you feel it—not just on the bike or court, but in the confidence they carry to the start line.” - Gino Devriendt

If you don’t know where to start, we have some great resources for you in our blogs. Check the below articles to understand the basics, and build up from there.

Marathon Nutrition Plan: What to Eat Before Race Day

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:08:37 GMT

Are you planning to run a marathon soon? Perhaps for the first time, with the goal of completing the magical distance of over 42 km? Or are you looking for the last few extra percent to improve your personal record? It goes without saying that good preparation is half the battle. You will undoubtedly have thought of the right footwear and sufficient training, but do you also have a well-thought-out competition nutrition plan ready? In this blog we describe what, how much and when you should eat in the run-up to your marathon, so that you can start with a full fuel tank.

In terms of nutrition, the final preparation for the marathon begins about 36 to 48 hours before the start. The last 1 to 2 days before the marathon should be dedicated to stacking carbohydrates ('carbo loading'). Longer than 1 to 2 days is pointless! Scientific research has shown that stacking carbohydrates ensures a larger glycogen supply in your muscles. This supply is the most important source of energy during the marathon. Carbohydrate stacking gives you a significant head start.

To make this process run optimally, aim for 8 to 10 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per day in the last two days before the marathon. For someone weighing 70kg, this means 560 to 700 grams of carbohydrates per day. It is recommended to spread this over 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks. More practical tips for carbohydrate stacking can be found in the blog about this . A daily example for someone weighing 70kg can be seen here:

After you have stacked your carbohydrates in the above manner, you only need to replenish the last bits of carbohydrates in your body on the morning of the marathon. Therefore, aim for about 3 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight for breakfast. For someone weighing 70 kg, this amounts to +- 210 grams of carbohydrates. To ensure that all of this is digested and absorbed before the start of your race, and thus prevent stomach/intestinal complaints, it is recommended to have breakfast at least 3 to 4 hours before the start. Preferably choose easily digestible products (such as white bread, cornflakes or rice pudding) and possibly fill with liquid sugars (such as honey, jam and fruit juice). Avoid products that contain a lot of fats and/or proteins, such as eggs, (full-fat) dairy, cheese and meat products. Also, don't forget to drink plenty. Aim for at least 500 ml of fluid, but above all check the colour of your urine. This should be relatively light in colour, to ensure that your fluid balance is in order. See an example below:

In summary:

Start loading carbohydrates 1 to 2 days before the marathon. The starting point is approximately 8 to 10 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per day.
Preferably divide this large amount of carbohydrates over 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks per day.
Provide a carbohydrate-rich and easily digestible breakfast about 3 to 4 hours before the start. The starting point is approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight.
Choose easily digestible products, possibly supplemented with liquid sugars.