Team Sky has chosen CNP Professional, the Manchester-based sports nutrition company best known for its protein supplements, as its official nutritional partner. CNP will not only be providing a cycling-specific selection of supplements, but will also develop new, cycling-orientated, performance-boosting products.
 
“It’s true that CNP come from a power sports background – but they have increasing expertise in endurance sports, too,” says Nigel Mitchell, Head of Nutrition at Team Sky. “The thing we liked about them was that they’re really, really focussed on quality and innovation. That attitude is vital when you need every last ounce of performance out of the team. Getting the right sports nutrition will give us an edge.” 
 
The Sky Pro Cycling riders have already started to use the CNP supplements and Nigel Mitchell has been amazed by the reaction. “Normally when you make a change like this there are plenty of moans but no one’s complained!” he says. “We’ve been amazed at how well the products have transferred into cycling. For example, several riders have said that Pro Flapjack is the best energy bar they’ve ever had. The Pro XS bar is really popular, too.”
 
The quality of the CNP products is reflected in their use of undenatured protein, says Mitchell, in products like Pro MR, a high-protein shake. CNP’s undenatured protein (see editors’ notes) is costly to produce but is better for tissue repair than the denatured alternatives commonly used in supplements.  
 
“We’re looking at all the CNP products to see what will fit with our regime,” adds Mitchell. “One I’m looking forward to using is their multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, Pro Vital. What I like about it is that they haven’t gone overboard with the vitamins, they’ve kept it really well-balanced, so it’s right for the athlete’s body.”
 
CNP Professional is one of the UK’s leading sports nutrition specialist companies. For more information visit www.cnpprofessional.co.uk