How Pro Cyclist Sarah Sturm Fuels with Tailwind’s New High Carb
By Carson Beckett
Writer, Pro Cyclist
If you’re an endurance athlete looking to fuel smarter, Sarah Sturm has some insights you’ll want to hear. This gravel and mountain bike pro has been secretly training and racing with Tailwind’s new High Carb Fuel – and let’s just say, she’s a big fan.
The new Tailwind High Carb has answered the call to evolving fueling standards. Their new mix is a one-two punch providing high carbohydrate quantities with adequate electrolytes in one bottle of choice. Sarah says she has used Tailwind Endurance Fuel at 75g of carbs for most of her efforts previously, but “this new one just takes it up a notch.” It’s 90g of carbs per serving alongside 680mg of sodium – meeting both your high power needs.
Easy, Efficient, and GI-Friendly
What makes the new High Carb Fuel different? Simplicity, efficiency, and stomach-friendliness top the list.
“It’s so easy to put 90g in a bottle and just get it done,” Sarah explains. “No GI distress, which is huge during longer races.”
Whether you’re tackling a multi-hour gravel effort or lining up for a mountain bike race, the last thing you want is a fueling strategy that is hard to keep up with. With High Carb Fuel, Sarah says she’s been able to get both hydration and carbs in a single bottle—without the hassle and without the GI distress.
A subtle but standout feature? The flavor.
“The ginger is really nice,” she adds. “It has this kind of ‘kick’ that naturally settles your stomach.”
That makes High Carb Fuel an especially solid option for hot, hard days where your gut might otherwise shut down. The races these days are becoming both longer and faster. As time goes on, the stomach can become a bit unsettled with all the stuff we are putting in it. Between the lighter flavor profile, the new ginger addition, and the option to drink your calories, it’s a no-brainer.
Dial It In
Sarah mixes and matches her bottles depending on the effort. High Carb Fuel now gives you the option to tailor your fueling preferences to the event.
“Earlier in the race, I like using a carb mix—usually one bottle of High Carb and one of Endurance Fuel per hour.” That balance gives her fast-access energy early in the race without overloading any one bottle – setting her up for the rest of the effort.
She also notes she will be flexible on fluid volume and states this is a key benefit of High Carb Fuel. “You can put it in a 24oz bottle or a larger 950ml bottle—it just depends on how you want to play with it.”
And for those long starts or early-morning races? Sarah pre-loads with it. “It’s an easy way to get some carbs in early, especially if you don’t want to eat solid food right away.”
Why It Works for Sarah—And Might Work for You
Tailwind’s High Carb Fuel gives athletes like Sarah Sturm an efficient, gut-friendly way to hit higher carb targets without juggling gels, chews, or solids. It’s hydration and fuel in one, with clean ingredients and a smoother taste that makes it easy to keep going strong—whether you're 60mi into the group ride or knocking out a quick key workout.
Check it out!