As a follow up to my last newsletter (click if you want to subscribe!) about winning the 6 day Sudety Challenge Stage Race in Poland, I wanted to share all the details of my set up and plan.
I was originally planning to take my SCOTT Spark Contessa 900RC (my 100mm bike) but there was a problem with one of the parts that couldn’t be fixed in time. This bike (the SCOTT Spark Contessa 910) is the one I typically ride at home in BC and in BC races. It’s more of a trail bike focus.

(note that in this photo, the front tire is the Ardent. I used the Ikon 2.35 for the event)
Bike Set-Up
Frame: Scott Spark Contessa 910
Fork: Fox Float 34 120mm
Shock: Fox Nude 120mm
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR DI2 1×11
Front Chain Ring: 32T
Cassette: Shimano XT 11-46
Brakes: Shimano XTR Trail
Rotors: Shimano 180mm rotors/ front & rear
Wheels: Stans NoTubes Crest CB7 Carbon wheels
Tires: Maxxis Ikon 2.35 front; Maxxis Ikon 2.2 rear
Seatpost: Fox Transfer Dropper
Seat: WTB Rocket
Nutrition Plan
My nutrition plan is pretty much the same every race. I have used GU Products for many years and it’s what works best for me. On twitter a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I typically eat 3 gels per hour and there was some surprise that I ate so many gels per hour. You can absorb around 300 calories per hour although I’m starting to think I can maybe absorb a little bit more. Each gel contains 100 calories. At race pace, you burn far more than 300 calories an hour. Below is how I fueled each day. This plan is the same for me regardless if it’s a 50 miler, 100 miler, 3 hour stage in a stage race, etc. I aim for 3 gels an hour and eat from a flask that has water added to it. I also keep chews on hand for if I feel hungry or want something different. I usually do not have any support at races so I have to carry almost everything. I tend to go heavy on everything – I run heavier gear on my bike, I carry more food and tools than I need. I’d rather be prepared and have it than have a problem and not have it. You lose WAY more time bonking or having a mechanical than you do carrying a bit of extra weight.
Each stage was around 4 hours, so I’d prepare:
2x soft gel flasks with 5 Roctane gels. Fill to top with water shake.
4 gels in my pocket (any flavors I like!). 1 gel I eat at the start line.
1 packet of chews
1 bottle of Roctane Drink Mix
50oz bladder of water in a camelbak
4 electrolyte capsules taped to my handlebar with electrical tape. I only ate 2 on any given day, but I like to have extra in case I need them (or if I need to toss them at someone cramped up on the ground!!)
— it was hot so I ended up refilling my bottle 2x at aide stations. Sometimes the amount of water I started with is enough to last the whole race so I never have to stop, but when it’s hot, you have to stop.
In my pack and on me and my bike.
Pack: Camelbak Chase Bike Vest
1 spare 29″ Welter Weight Maxxis tube
1 Topeak patch kit
1 spiky guy with 2 plugs
Electrical tape (taped to the hose of my camelbak)
CO2 cartridges (2) and Topeak AirBooster CO2 Head
Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt which I also used for navigation
Hope that was helpful for your next event!