USANA Athletes: Checking in with Cyclist Daniel Carruthers

I received the following update from Daniel Carruthers, a USANA-sponsored cyclist. Regular readers of What’s Up, USANA? are likely familiar with Daniel and his accomplishments (if not, catch up here).

Daniel reports his next big race will be in Shanghai on May 31 — held on the famous F1 circuit. “It promises to be a fast and furious race with some of the best riders in China taking part,” he says.

Here’s his update (for more, check out his blog):

I have raced a number of times since completing the Tour of Luzon, including racing in Taiwan, China, and Thailand. I have been reasonably happy with my performances at my races, especially my China and Thailand campaigns. I placed a solid second at a race in Shanghai after someone pipped me at the line.

I finished fifth at a mountain climb race in Moganshan. The hill climb training I did in Taiwan paid off! Several weeks ago in the Tour of East Taiwan I won the Sprint Ace title (Green Jersey) on the final day. However, for most of that race I was struggling with cramps for the first time this year. I don’t know why this was.

Off to Thailand
Most recently I went to Thailand to compete in the Friendship Tour of Thailand that consisted of five stages, including a 7 km time trial. I won four out of the five stages (check out stories here and here), but only finished fourth overall as I lost a lot of time on the Day 4 mountain stage that consisted of two substantial 10km climbs — the final one reached gradients of over 18%! It was so steep that numerous riders got off and walked some sections.

The final day I won from a two-man breakaway after making an audacious attack, but it was not enough to take back the Yellow Jersey (won by a promising young Laos National rider who is now in Switzerland training at the UCI Center).

During one of my training rides just prior to the tour, I came across a troupe of monkeys in the forest and an alligator scampering away out of the small river alongside the road I was on. Thailand is one of our favorite destinations due to the variety of delicious Thai foods (spicy) and the interesting places to see.

Race Essentials
As always, the USANA products play a key factor in my performance. The range of vitamins and then the Rev3 Surge is used in every race. I normally have a Nutrimeal shake (preferably ice cold) after each stage. The shake is not as important for the one-day races as it is for the tours I have been competing in.

Thanks for the update, Daniel! Good luck in Shanghai.