#COLLAGENTALK, EP. 8; TEAM DSM-FIRMENICH NUTRITIONIST JOB VAN LEEUWEN 

In elite athletics, every detail counts: the slightest boost to performance can be the difference between finishing first or second. One man that knows this more than most is Job van Leeuwen (@jobvanleeuwen). Job is a Nutrition Expert at Team dsm-firmenich, a world-leading cycling squad. In this episode of #CollagenTalk, Job explores the power of nutrition for elevating sports performance. Here are some of the highlights:

The cyclists on Team dsm-firmenich train for up to five hours every day. They burn as many as 8,000 calories in a single session. Needless to say, energy replenishment is crucial for these athletes. As a Nutrition Expert, Job works closely with the Science and Innovation team to help the riders keep the pace. ‘Together with the Science and Innovation team, we’re always trying to improve our strategies, innovating with products, to best support the riders,’ says Job. 

How supplements can boost athletic performance  

Each rider follows a tailored nutritional plan, with the foundational diet being the most important. ‘Beyond that,’ says Job, ‘we can start exploring supplements to further enhance the nutritional profile even more.’ These can include carbohydrate supplements, such as energy gels and isotonic drinks, as well as a range of proteins, such as Peptan collagen peptides. 

Why the team takes Peptan every day 

The team just recently began supplementing with Peptan collagen peptides. Every day, the team takes a Sanas Cartiplus shot, which includes 10 grams of Peptan. ‘The daily shot with Peptan supports the athletes’ connective tissues,’ Job told us. ‘As these riders train so intensely, with the connective tissue, like ligaments and tendons, enduring significant stress, there is a high risk of injury. Peptan aids injury prevention, improving overall joint functionality. On the other hand, if a rider is injured, Peptan can accelerate the recovery process.’ 

Watch the full #CollagenTalk to get more insights from the world of elite athletics:     

Follow the action on Team dsm-firmenich’s social media accounts: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook 

Follow Peptan: @peptancollagen 

For more on sports nutrition, supplements, and elite athletics, watch out for ‘On the Road to Win’ on our socials, or read up on Peptan for sports nutrition.