BRIT BITS: High 5 Sports Nutrition – For beginner to pro
High 5 is a UK company, based over in Leicestershire, they have been going for years, and most people who compete or just ride at any level have heard of them. They sponsor loads of different discipline events over in the UK from XC running to DH and Enduro. They have so many types of product for different requirements in varying disciplines; energy, hydration, stimulants, after-sports, etc. Most impressive of all being an individual section of their website, explaining exactly what a racer would need to buy for our sport of Enduro. For a bit of background on them, here (in their words) is what they do:
“High5 is a UK company run by athletes. We have competed in many of the World’s toughest events and have years of racing experience between us. We know from personal experience how important it is to get your nutrition absolutely right and what it takes to make a great sports product. High5 has close links with Universities and leading researcher groups. Combining our practical no-nonsense approach with the latest developments in sports science, means that High5 products are always leading edge and 100% fit for purpose. In short, no matter how hard it gets, our products will ensure that you perform at your very best and enjoy your event more.
At High5 we continually push the boundaries, finding new ways to help you race faster and go further. We have a number of firsts. We were the first in the World to launch 2:1 fructose energy drinks. We were the first in the World to research 2:1 performance gains and produce step-by-step nutrition guides, so that everyone can benefit. We were first in Europe to launch a 4:1 carbohydrate and protein drink for use during and after sport. We were the first company in the World to undertake advanced carbohydrate absorption testing with elite athletes, setting new records in the process. We were the first in Europe to use real fruit juice for a lighter more refreshing gel taste and still remain one of the few companies to do so – sports nutrition is about more than just go faster technology, it needs to taste great as well.
We continually test our products and get athlete feedback. High5 is the on-course nutrition at more than 150 races and events in the UK. At the events where we attend personally, we pride ourselves on being out on-course supporting the first to the last finisher. When you are last in and its getting dark, you need the best nutrition more than most. When its your first Sportive and it’s twice as far as you have ridden before, you need the best nutrition more than most. When you’re fighting for a PB or a win, you need the best nutrition more than most. We take great pride in the fact that for almost 20 years we have produced some of the very best sports nutrition available and helped athletes (including ourselves) reach their sporting objectives.”
I have been sent a load of their products on test, and have to say, the ones I have tried so far seem to do what it says on the tin! The energy gels containing caffein are a real must for me when getting near the last stage of a tough Enduro, giving you that much needed second breath and a good perk up to finish the event. The orange energy gels with caffein can be bought in a 20 pack for a very reasonable £19.80. Plus I love the idea of the capsules rather than powders (powders still available) just because you can carry these in your kit bag to events and mix on site, without having to bring bulky containers and the mess of mixing the powder. They do a pink grapefruit zero calorie version of the tabs, with 20 tabs (enough for 10 litres) coming in at £6.99. The trials pack, which like all their products can be ordered direct from their website, enabling you to try a real selection of their products and flavours, each containing: 6x EnergyGel Plus, 2x EnergyGel, 1x IsoGel Plus, 2x IsoGel, 4x EnergySource, 1x EnergySource X’treme, 1x Protein Recovery, 2x ZERO sachet, 1x 750ml Bottle, Nutrition Guide for Sportive, Triathlon, MTB. This-pack comes in at £14.99, with an individual product value of £23.03.
For these and all the vast array of High 5 products go to highfive.co.uk
Words and Photos: Jim Buchanan