How to Use the Race Ready Nitrate Stack for a Cycling Gran Fondo

A Gran Fondo is not just a long ride—it's a test of endurance, pacing, and nutrition strategy. Whether you're tackling 100 km or 200 km, your body demands consistent fuel and smart supplementation to maintain power, delay fatigue, and recover quickly. Among the most effective natural performance aids are dietary nitrates from beetroot, and Beet It's Race Ready Nitrate Stack offers a complete pre-, during-, and post-exercise solution designed specifically for endurance athletes.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to use the Race Ready Nitrate Stack for a cycling Gran Fondo. You'll learn when to take each component, how to combine them with your regular nutrition, and why this stack can help you ride stronger from start to finish. We'll also highlight key products from Beet It, including the Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot and the Beet It Sport Starter Pack, so you can build a personalized fueling plan.

What Is the Race Ready Nitrate Stack?

The Race Ready Nitrate Stack is a curated bundle from Beet It that includes three essential products: a pre-ride shot for nitric oxide boost, a mid-ride energy gel for sustained fuel, and a post-ride recovery shot. This stack is built around the principle that nitrate supplementation works best when timed strategically around exercise, and it simplifies the decision-making process for cyclists who want a proven, all-in-one solution.

The stack typically contains the Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot (for pre-ride), the Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100 (for during the ride), and the Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot (for post-ride recovery). Each product is formulated with natural ingredients and no artificial additives, making them ideal for long, demanding events like a Gran Fondo.

• Pre-ride: Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot – 400 mg of natural nitrate for improved blood flow and oxygen efficiency.
• During ride: Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100 – 100 mg of nitrate plus fast-acting carbs for sustained energy.
• Post-ride: Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot – tart cherry and nitrate blend to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery.

Pre-Ride: Timing Your Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot

The most critical window for nitrate supplementation is 2–3 hours before your start time. This allows your body to convert dietary nitrate into nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery to working muscles. For a Gran Fondo, take one Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot approximately 90–120 minutes before the ride. If you prefer a slightly lower dose or want to test tolerance, you can split the shot with a friend, but the full 400 mg is recommended for maximum benefit.

Pair the shot with a light, carbohydrate-rich breakfast such as oatmeal or a banana. Avoid heavy fats or protein, which can slow absorption. The Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot is concentrated and portable, so you can easily pack it in your jersey pocket if you need to take it closer to the start. Many cyclists also use the Beet It Sport Starter Pack to sample different products before committing to the full stack.

• Take 90–120 minutes before the start for optimal nitric oxide levels.
• Combine with a light carb breakfast for best results.
• Store the shot at room temperature; shake well before use.

During the Ride: Fueling with Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100

As the kilometers add up, your energy stores deplete and fatigue sets in. The Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100 is designed to provide a dual benefit: a quick hit of carbohydrates (around 22 g) plus 100 mg of nitrate to maintain blood flow and delay the onset of fatigue. Use this gel approximately every 45–60 minutes during the ride, especially after the first two hours when glycogen levels start to drop.

The gel has a smooth, non-gritty texture and is easy to consume on the move. It pairs well with water or an electrolyte drink. For longer Fondo events (150 km+), you may need 3–4 gels total. Alternate with solid foods like energy bars or bananas to avoid flavor fatigue. The Race Ready Nitrate Stack simplifies this by including the gel in the bundle, so you don't have to guess which product to use mid-ride.

• Consume one gel every 45–60 minutes after the first two hours.
• Drink water immediately after to aid absorption.
• Store gels in a cool pocket to prevent overheating.

Post-Ride: Recovery with Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot

Crossing the finish line is only half the battle—proper recovery determines how you feel in the hours and days after. The Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot combines tart cherry extract (known for reducing inflammation and muscle soreness) with a nitrate boost to help restore blood flow and clear metabolic waste. Take this shot within 30 minutes of finishing your ride, ideally with a recovery meal containing protein and carbohydrates.

The Regen Cherry+ Shot is also an excellent choice for multi-day events or back-to-back training sessions. It helps reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and supports faster return to training. If you're using the Race Ready Nitrate Stack, this shot completes the cycle, ensuring you're ready for your next ride sooner.

• Consume within 30 minutes post-ride for best recovery benefits.
• Pair with a protein-rich snack or meal.
• Can be used as a daily recovery aid even on non-ride days.

Building Your Personal Gran Fondo Nutrition Plan

While the Race Ready Nitrate Stack provides a solid foundation, every cyclist's needs vary based on ride duration, intensity, and personal tolerance. For a 100 km Gran Fondo, one pre-ride shot, two gels, and one recovery shot may suffice. For a 200 km event, you might need an additional gel and possibly a second pre-ride shot if the start is delayed. Always test your nutrition during training rides to avoid surprises on event day.

The Beet It Sport Starter Pack is a great way to try multiple products before committing to the full stack. It includes three Nitrate 400 shots, two Regen Cherry+ shots, and two Energy Gel Top Up 100 gels—perfect for a weekend of training or a shorter Fondo. You can also experiment with the Beet It Organic Shot with Ginger or Beet It Organic Shot with Turmeric for variety, though they are not part of the stack.

• Test your stack during long training rides at least two weeks before the event.
• Adjust gel frequency based on your sweat rate and carb needs.
• Stay hydrated: drink 500–750 ml of water per hour during the ride.

The Race Ready Nitrate Stack is a smart, science-backed approach to fueling a cycling Gran Fondo. By timing your Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot before the ride, using the Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100 mid-ride, and recovering with the Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot afterward, you can optimize your performance and recovery naturally. Ready to build your perfect Gran Fondo nutrition plan? Start with the Beet It Sport Starter Pack to find the right combination for your next big ride.