Team Sixcycle-RK&O is fortunate to be able to partner only with those brands whose philosophies and products we believe in. Whether its Litespeed for our frames, Grimpeur Bros for our coffee or Louis Garneau for our kit we believe we're working with some of the best companies in their respective industries. For the same same reasons we're excited to work with Zico Pure Coconut Water for all of our hydration needs. It's a partnership that we'll be discussing in much more detail as the season progresses - particularly as the temperatures start to rise with summer's arrival - but in the interim here is one rider's view on how Zico Pure Coconut water came to play an important role in his nutrition strategy.

Stay tuned for much more on Zico Pure Coconut Water.

Team Sixcycle-RK&O's Charlie Bird on Zico Pure Coconut Water

Like many racers, I quickly discovered that when the weather warms up I struggle with dehydration and cramping. While the cause of muscle cramping is contested, Zico has worked for me. I have a drink mix that I use on the bike, but everyone knows that if you wait until you are riding to hydrate you are already in trouble. A lot of racers simply revert to some sort of electrolyte drink and a banana (for potassium) to ward off the misery of cramping. I can’t handle sugary drinks before working out and I don’t like bananas. There. I said it. I’m a bike racer and I don’t like bananas. I don’t like them raw and I don’t like them in oatmeal. I do like them caramelized and on top of ice cream or in pudding form but that’s beside the point and neither of those banana dishes will make me very fast on a bike.

When I started downing Zico before and after workouts, my cramps were gone and I remained more hydrated throughout the day.

Two years ago I was introduced to Zico coconut water. “It’s nature’s gatorade.” I was sceptical. I have seen plenty of other products through clever marketing and names make you believe you’re getting vitamins when you are really getting a bucket of sugar, so I did my research. What I learned was that coconut water really is nature’s gatorade. Zico has more potassium than a banana. It is full of electrolytes, sodium, and calcium which are absorbed quickly and keep my hydrated before and after workouts. Zico also has an incredibly low acidity which makes it easier to handle than a sugary drink. “Gatorade stitch” is a thing of the past in my world.

Zico comes in tons of flavors (including chocolate with none of the associated guilt!) so it’s easy to find one that works with your palate. I prefer the natural (plain) flavor, but I drink them all. To me the natural flavor tastes unbelievably refreshing and there is nothing better than that after a 4 hour day on the bike in 95 degree heat. Zico is also readily available at just about every gas station is a great substitute for plain water when I need to refill my bottles midride.