Maurten Drink Mix 320 Caf 100 (80g Carbs)

A sports drink that's all about packing plenty of fuel into your bottle. Stir the mix into water and you get a slightly thick drink with a mild, neutral taste. In your stomach it turns into a gel, so you're less likely to feel full or sloshy. The caffeine is already in it, so you don't need to take anything separately.

You notice the difference most when fatigue kicks in. After a few hours in the Alps or during a long race in the Ardennes, you rarely feel like eating. A sip from your flask is then easier than a gel or bar. The caffeine helps in the final part of the race, when your legs get heavy and your focus fades.

It is a powerful mix, though. You take in a lot of carbohydrates per bottle, so testing it on a long training run is no unnecessary luxury. And don't take it late in the day unless you're happy with a bad night's sleep, because the caffeine stays active for a while.

Not sure? Choose this if you run long distances and prefer to keep your fuelling liquid. If you're sensitive to caffeine or mostly train shorter, the caffeine-free version is the smarter choice. You also have to mix it yourself, so it's less convenient than a ready-to-use gel.

In short: a high-carb sports drink for long runs where you want to keep drinking, with caffeine for the final stretch.