Watching the Tour yesterday, they interviewed the guys who stand by the side of the road and hand lunch bags to the riders as they go by. Included in each bag, among other items, were fig newtons. Also included was a Coke and a power-aid type drink. There was no mention of any of the power bars. Fig Newtons are a heck of a lot cheaper than power bars, and it looks like they do the job. Incidentally, this tv feature said the riders must consume at least 6,000 calories each day, and they still lose weight. It said that later on in the day, when the riders are at the end of the stage, they drink a liquid meal of some kind. It was said that after 3-4 hours of extreme exertion, the stomach can't handle solid food. The food just sits in the stomach, and they usually throw it up.
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"I am a true laborer. I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm." As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2. Shakespeare.
"Deep down, I'm pretty superficial." Ava Gardner.