The latest product to emerge from the laboratories of leading British sports nutrition concern Science in Sport is a new energy gel that has already built a winning reputation in the pro peloton. Named Smart-1 (geddit?) Energizer Gel, it uses the same low-osmolality gel structure used in the proven SiS GO-Gel for rapid energy absorption, and packs 22g of carbohydrate per easy-opening sachet.

Caffeine is proven to improve endurance performance, especially towards the end of longer efforts, but in high doses may affect visual acuity. Smart-1 contains 50mg of caffeine, and has citrus bioflavenoids to aid its absorption plus anthocyanins to combat its potential side effects.

Team CSC, sponsored by SiS, used the new gel for Paris-Roubaix after being impressed by its performance benefits during off-season testing; the result, as they say, is history, with Stuart O’Grady winning the Queen of the Classics thanks, in part at least, to Smart-1 gels.

Price is £1.66 per sachet, with the product available either as single sachets or in boxes of 30.