The GlyCare® HMO advantage: Fueling Team dsm-firmenich PostNL’s rise in professional cycling

Summary

• UCI World Tour races – like the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia – push cyclists to their limits across grueling multi-stage races, demanding peak physical and mental performance in diverse and challenging conditions.
• Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in athletic endurance, influencing everything from nutrient absorption to cognitive function.
• dsm-firmenich's innovative HiMO Blend-5 – pioneered for Team dsm-firmenich PostNL – represents a progressive approach to sports nutrition, harnessing the power of human milk oligosaccharides to potentially revolutionize cycling performance.

In the world of professional cycling, every advantage counts. From cutting-edge bike technology to precise nutrition plans, teams are constantly seeking ways to enhance performance. At dsm-firmenich, we've identified a game-changing factor that's often overlooked: gut health. This realization led us to develop HiMO Blend-5, a unique human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) solution designed specifically for Team dsm-firmenich PostNL.

Our journey into the world of professional cycling was inspired by our mission to make our world a healthier place. By partnering with Team dsm-firmenich PostNL, we saw an opportunity to not only support top athletes, but also to put gut health for sports nutrition on the map with a collaboration that demonstrates the potential of GlyCare® HMOs in enhancing athletic performance and resilience.

But why focus on gut health for sports nutrition, and how does it support the incredible endurance required in UCI World Tour events, like the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España? Read on to find out.

The science behind HiMO Blend-5: The secret ingredient for Team dsm-firmenich PostNL’s success

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates that are naturally abundant in human milk with emerging benefits for gut health beyond infancy. Our HiMO Blend-5 combines five carefully selected GlyCare® HMOs to support athletes' performance and well-being.

GlyCare® HMOs have a prebiotic-like effect on gut health through nourishing beneficial bacteria. Clinical research has shown that HMO supplementation can positively modulate gut microbiome composition in adults, potentially enhancing nutrient absorption and immune function.¹ For cyclists taking on intense races like the Vuelta a España, these gut health improvements can translate to better energy utilization and elevated performance.

Another study found that GlyCare® HMOs may support immune function, with research indicating their ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines.² Perhaps most crucially for cyclists enduring extensive races, emerging evidence suggests GlyCare® HMOs may enhance cognitive function through the gut-brain axis.³ This potential cognitive boost could significantly improve mental resilience, helping riders to maintain focus, make split-second decisions and push through the psychological barriers often encountered during strenuous mountain stages or on the last leg of a long day in the saddle.

Pushing through: A cyclist’s perspective

Gut health in action during the 2024 Giro d’Italia Queen stage

To truly appreciate the importance of how GlyCare® HMOs support gut health in cycling, let's examine the Queen Stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia. Known as the ‘Queen Stage’ because it's typically the most challenging and often decisive day of the race, this mammoth 222km route from Manerba del Garda to Livigno presents a perfect storm of challenges that put both physical and mental endurance to the test. With its extraordinary length, massive 5,700m of elevation gain and high-altitude finish, this stage embodies the extreme demands placed on professional cyclists and highlights why optimal gut health is crucial for peak performance.

Endurance and energy management

With 5,700m of elevation gain, riders need to efficiently utilize energy throughout the day. A healthy gut supports better absorption of nutrients from food and energy gels, helping cyclists maintain steady energy levels across the long stage.¹

High-altitude performance

The stage culminates with climbs reaching over 2,300m altitude. At these elevations, oxygen is scarce, and the body is under immense stress. A robust gut microbiome, supported by GlyCare® HMOs, can help reduce inflammation and improve oxygen utilization, potentially mitigating some effects of high-altitude exertion.⁴

Immune system support

The diverse Alpine weather conditions riders may face – from scorching sun to chilling rain – can challenge the immune system. GlyCare® HMOs have been shown to support immune function, potentially helping riders stay healthy despite these environmental stressors.²

Recovery and adaption

After such an intense stage, quick recovery is crucial. A healthy gut supports efficient nutrient absorption post-race, helping riders prepare for the challenges of the following days.¹

The future of GlyCare® HMOs in sports nutrition

The potential applications of GlyCare® HMOs in sports nutrition are vast and exciting. Future innovations could include:

• Personalized HMO blends: Tailored HMO formulations to support individual athletes' needs and gut microbiome profiles.
• Recovery-focused products: Developing HMO-enhanced recovery drinks or foods to support post-exercise recuperation.
• Mental performance support: Creating HMO products specifically designed to support cognitive function during endurance events.

In the world of professional cycling, where races can be won or lost by seconds, the holistic approach of supporting gut health could be the key to unlocking new levels of human potential. As we continue to partner with Team dsm-firmenich PostNL and explore the potential of GlyCare® HMOs, we're excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

At dsm-firmenich, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of nutritional science. Our research into GlyCare® HMOs for sports nutrition represents a new frontier in athletic performance enhancement. We're proud to be at the forefront of this exciting field, continuing our mission to make the world a healthier place – one pedal stroke at a time.