Sponser Red Beet Vinitrox

Red Beet Vinitrox, from Swiss manufacturer Sponser, is a liquid energy product designed to improve muscle performance and make you go faster or further.

Sponser claim that if you drink 60ml of Red Beet Vinitrox – the equivalent of half a litre of fresh beetroot juice - a few hours before your race, it'll help you go faster or further, or both. It may be a step too far for some cyclists. But if you're the type of rider that's always searching for an extra edge, then it's worth trying.

As the name implies, the key ingredient of Red Beet Vinitrox is beetroots (that's just 'beets' to our American friends). According to the manufacturer, this vegetable contains a lot of nitrates, which inside the body is converted to nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to open, which in turn improves blood flow, which then means better oxygen supply gets to the muscles.

That's the theory, and Sponser's website contains some scientific evidence that, not surprisingly, backs it up. However, independent evidence – notably a study conducted in Exeter University in 2011 - is also available which indicates that the nitrates in beetroots are indeed beneficial to athletes, including cyclists.

So does it work in practice? I have to admit my trials were not quite so scientific. Last week I rode my usual training session without using Sponser Red Beet Vinitrox. This week I did the same session (similar conditions, same bike, just water in my bottle) and I have to say I felt I was going a bit better. Of course, it could have been loads of other things that helped me that day, but an interesting result nonetheless.

On that basis, if you're a keen racer looking to shave a few seconds - or maybe more - off your PB, then this product is worth a try. If it works for you, stick with it. If it doesn't make any difference, then no harm done.

As with all energy products, however, try it first at home or during a non-important training session, to make sure it agrees with you, before necking a bottle before a big race or sportive.

Even if you find that Red Beet Vinitrox works for you, you might find you get the same effect from drinking normal beetroot juice, available from your local supermarket or healthfood store. To differentiate itself from this kind of drink, Red Beet Vinitrox also contains various fruit enzymes which further help the formation of nitric oxide.

The taste of Red Beet Vinitrox is not exactly pleasant but it's OK. You can either drink the 60mL as it comes (a thick liquid) in a couple of gulps, or dilute it in water.

A pack of 4 bottles of Vinitrox retails at £12. Three quid a shot might be too much to pay for an improvement which may be just a few extra seconds. But as we all know, that can be the difference between winning and losing, so if you're a rider seeking that kind of gain, then Sponser Red Beet Vinitrox might be worth trying, and if you find it works for you then add it to your ammo box.

Verdict

Muscle-enhancing energy product. Not required by the everyday cyclist, but with possible benefits for racers seeking extra advantage.