The key to maintaining his stamina was a consistent intake of carbohydrates. Lachlan had a schedule of 100-120g of carbohydrates per hour, fueled by a combination of products from the Amacx Turbo Line and Energy Line for optimal performance.
In the early hours of Saturday, June 1st, just before dawn, 4,000 cyclists gathered on the main street of the quiet town of Emporia, Kansas. They were ready to take on one of the toughest gravel races in the world: UNBOUND. This gruelling race spans about 320 kilometres, with 3,700 meters of elevation gain on roads more suited for large pickup trucks than bicycles. Riders face over ten hours in the saddle, battling dust and mud. Each stone on the course poses a risk of a flat tyre, mechanical failure, or worse, adding to the relentless challenge.
UNBOUND, often called the “World’s Premier Gravel Event,” is like the Tour of Flanders for road racing. To win, you need extraordinary endurance, an unbreakable mentality, and a lot of luck. This year, in a thrilling sprint finish, Lachlan Morton of our partner team, EF Pro Cycling, clinched the victory. With a record-breaking time of nine hours, eleven minutes, and forty-seven seconds, it marked the fastest edition of UNBOUND in history.
Every Detail Matters
“Everything must go perfectly,” Lachlan Morton knows this well. Lachlan had been targeting this race for years, and his past attempts in Kansas have ended with podium success but never the top step. Until this time, all his training, preparation, and past experiences paid off in a triumphant win at cycling’s premier gravel race.
The Long, Lone Ride
Unlike road cycling, riders in UNBOUND are almost entirely self-reliant. There are only two aid stations along the entire route where cyclists can change wheels and refill their nutritional supplies. Otherwise, they face long, undulating roads through desolate landscapes. To survive this, it's crucial to be well-prepared, including having a solid nutrition plan. For a 320-kilometer journey on such challenging terrain, carbohydrates are essential.
The key to maintaining his stamina was a consistent intake of carbohydrates. "At the start, I brought 440 grams of carbohydrates with me. At the first aid station (mile 70), I refueled my supplies with 470 grams, and at the second station (mile 148), I again refueled myself with 310 grams," Lachlan explained. The race developed in Lachlan's favor, ultimately leading to the fastest UNBOUND time ever recorded. "I planned to consume 100-120 grams of carbohydrates per hour. However, during the race, I drank to thirst and then added gels on top of that. I eventually ended up consuming about 104 grams of carbohydrates per hour and used a combination of products from the Amacx Turbo Line and Energy Line."
Upgrade Your Limits
Reflecting on his victory, Lachlan said, “I feel grateful to have had the ride I did. In the finale, I thought to myself that no matter what happens in this sprint, I’m really happy with the way I executed the race and prepared for it. I did it in my own style and stayed true to the way I like to ride.”
Lachlan Morton's performance at UNBOUND is a testament to the power of perseverance, preparation, and proper nutrition. His journey highlights the importance of every detail in a race of such magnitude, where even the smallest element can make a significant difference. As Lachlan demonstrated, with the right approach, it’s possible to Upgrade Your Limits!
