Tips for Long Distance Mountain Bike Races

• Fuel early—before the trail gets rough: Start sipping within the first 30 minutes to stay ahead of the bonk.

• Hydrate consistently: Tailwind gives you fluids, electrolytes, and carbs all in one, making hydration easy even on tough terrain.

• Train your gut in trail conditions: What works on smooth roads might not fly on rocky singletrack. Practice fueling on your MTB rides.

• Carry backups: A small concentrate bottle or stick pack can save your race if you miss a handoff or aid station.

1. Start Early

In long mountain bike races, it’s easy to put off fueling while you’re focused on the trail. But if you wait until you feel hungry or thirsty, it’s too late. Fuel early and often—especially during the opening miles when it’s easier to take in calories before the course gets more technical.

Tailwind Endurance Fuel and High Carb Fuel are both great options for sustained energy, hydration, and electrolytes—all in one easy-to-digest drink.

2. Stay Consistent

Once you start fueling, don’t stop. The goal is to provide your body with a steady stream of calories, fluids, and electrolytes throughout the race. Long climbs, steep descents, and rocky sections can all disrupt your rhythm, so having a hydration plan that doesn’t rely on solid food can make a huge difference.

• Aim for 200–300 calories per hour

• Sip every 10–15 minutes to stay ahead of bonking

• Make use of Tailwind’s drink mixes to keep things simple and efficient

3. Hydrate Early and Often

Sweat loss can sneak up on you in the mountains—especially when you’re working hard at altitude or on exposed terrain. Dehydration not only impacts your performance but also your ability to take in calories and regulate body temperature.

Tailwind helps you stay on top of hydration with:

• Electrolytes to replace what you’re losing through sweat

• Easy-to-absorb carbs to keep your energy up

• A light flavor profile that’s easy to drink even in the heat

4. Train Your Gut

Just like you train your legs, you’ve got to train your stomach to handle fueling over long efforts. Use your long training rides to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Mountain biking throws in extra variables like jostling, heat, and altitude—so get your gut used to fueling in race-like conditions.

5. Bring Backups

Even with the best plan, things can go sideways. You might miss a bottle handoff, run out of water before the next aid station, or have to stop for a mechanical. Carrying a small bottle of Tailwind concentrate, extra stick packs, or a gel or two can help you bounce back fast.

Pro tip: Frame bags or top tube bags are great for stashing extra fuel without interfering with your ride.

6. Post-Race Recovery

Don’t neglect recovery—especially if you’re racing back-to-back days or hitting another hard effort soon. Tailwind Recovery Mix helps replenish glycogen, repair muscle, and rehydrate after big rides. Mix it up as soon as you finish, and your legs will thank you later.

Final Thoughts

Long mountain bike races are tough, but with the right fueling strategy, they’re also incredibly rewarding. Keep it simple. Fuel early. Stay hydrated. And most of all—enjoy the ride.