Maple and cycling – a natural fit

It’s not every day you get the chance to win your body weight in maple products – but that’s just what was on offer to four professional cyclists competing at the recent UCI Grands Prix Cyclistes in Quebec.

Maple Products from Quebec was one of the partners of the prestigious races in Montreal and Quebec City, further strengthening maple’s links with cycling.

Maple and cycling are natural partners; last February, La Fédération québécoise des sports cyclists (FQSC) announced it had adopted maple products as its official energy source; Louis Barbeau, director general of FQSC, describing it as a ‘win-win situation’ and ‘a natural fit’.

The GPCQM events saw the launch of several new maple-based energy products for cyclists, including Vee Kombucha drink (sweetened with organic maple syrup); Maple Fuel sachets and two innovative maple ‘shots’ – one containing pure maple syrup, the other a pre-ride dose of pure maple syrup, spiruline, sea buckthorn and ginseng – meant to be taken 30 minutes before an activity.

FPAQ President Serge Beaulieu added: “For many years, the investments made in research have led us to a better knowledge of maple and how it can benefit athletes. Cyclists need a healthy energy source for their sport. Maple syrup is a 100% natural energy source in the form of simple sugars that metabolise quickly into glucose and act as fuel during exercise.”

cyclists at UCI Grands Prix Cyclistes in Quebec

Did you know?

Québec exports its maple products to more than 50 countries

Everywhere it goes, consumers of all ages appreciate maple’s unique flavour.

Scientists are studying maple’s potential health benefits

Studies now underway include those on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols naturally present in maple syrup, with a recent study indicating that maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugar.

Maple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in most recipes

In cake and most dessert recipes, for each 250ml (1 cup) of syrup used, simply reduce the stipulated amount of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) by 60ml (1/4 cup).

A natural source of energy

Maple syrup is a natural source of energy. Check out our recipes for food and drinks before, during, and after exercise.