Analysis of the feeding habits in cyclists of the SpanishNational Mountain Bike Team

The aim of the study was to determine the feeding habits of the cyclists of the Spanish mountain bike (MTB) national team. Forty cyclists were distributed in two categories according to time spent in training and competing category (25 Cadet/junior (C/J) -16.68 +/- 0.99 years-, and 15 Under-23/elite (U23/E) -25.33 +/- 4.25 years-. All the subjects completed a specific questionnaire about their feeding habits. Descriptive and contrast (Mann-Whitney) statistic was carried out in the 2 studied groups. Seventy Six per cent of the subjects of the C/J group showed incorrect feeding habit, and significantly less (36%) than the U23/E showed also incorrect patterns (p = 0.003). Seventy six per cent of the C/J and 60% of the U23/E do 3 intakes/day (p = 0.348), while 20% of C/J and 26.7% of the U23/E do 5 intakes/day. Sixty four per cent of the C/J and 26% of the U23/E eat between meals (p = 0.024). Also, 56% of C/J group and 20% of the U23/E group eat "fast food" (p = 0.028). Feeding habits of the C/J cyclists of the Spanish national team are considered inadequate, being significantly better for the U23/E group, although also in this older group there are basic aspects to improve.