No – it’s not a food – but hydration is so important we had to include it.

Water is needed to carry all the good stuff (from the foods above) and oxygen to your cells. Without enough of it, you’ll begin to feel very low in energy.

Women, on average, should aim to drink eight cups of water a day – but of course those who exercise, and sweat, more will need to add still further to this.

For more advice on staying hydrated on the bike, check out this piece we wrote with Emma Barraclough, Senior Sports Nutritionist for SIS.