Zipvit Sport ZV7N Beetroot Nitrate Performance Gel - Cherry

Zipvit ZV7 gel is a power boosting, stamina bolstering prep that won't cause a stir at the doping controls and only boasts half the calories of Zipvit's other gels. Mid ride consumption proved an acquired art and the cherry flavouring was deeply unappetising.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the exact composition's a closely guarded secret but the idea is that you use it as part of pre-event carbo-loading. Zipvit recommends guzzling two or three sachets per day in the three days leading up to the event and a further two sixty minutes prior to competing.

Zipvit claims: "The natural beetroot nitrates in our performance gel are converted by the body into nitric oxide, increasing your power and stamina."

In common with the brand's other products, the thicker consistency is a double edged sword, preventing accidental and undignified wastage but requiring more gusto, especially in the saddle and it took several sachets before my pallet adjusted to their slightly curious taste. Thankfully, this didn't clash with their Z20 electrolyte tablets when dissolved in plain water and come the fourth day, I raced - an unofficial 10-mile time trial, completed in 36, rather than 38 minutes.

Using this as my control, I repeated the course several days later in identical conditions, consuming 350ml of supermarket juice during the lead up. Until the seventh mile there was little discernible difference, whereupon those disturbingly familiar symptoms of depletion kicked in, resulting in a distinctly mediocre 38 minutes 47 seconds.

Improvements were more apparent on long, steady outings, where I felt noticeably fresher towards the end of 40 and 50 miles.

Ultimately, these supplements genuinely seem to live up to their claims but are pretty steep compared with the alternatives, so I would suggest trying a few singular sachets before shelling out on a box of 24.

Verdict

Genuinely seems effective but pricey and taste is likely to divide opinion.