Hannah Grant brings a wealth of experience to the conversation about nutrition and performance in professional cycling. As a renowned chef and nutritionist who has worked with World Tour cycling teams, her approach focuses on nurturing both health and athletic excellence.

During our conversation, Grant shared her vision for a more sustainable approach to weight management in professional cycling. Her expertise offers valuable insights into how riders can maintain peak performance while protecting their long-term health.

​"The key is understanding that sustainable performance comes from supporting the body, not fighting against it," Grant explains. She emphasizes how proper nutrition becomes a powerful tool for both performance and recovery when approached correctly.

Throughout her career, Grant has witnessed the success of thoughtful nutrition strategies at the highest levels of the sport. She describes how strategic meal timing can significantly enhance training effectiveness, while balanced nutrition plans help maintain consistent energy levels throughout the season. Smart hydration strategies, when properly implemented, not only improve performance but also aid in recovery. Perhaps most importantly, she emphasises the need to adjust nutrition plans seasonally, responding to the changing demands of the racing calendar.

Grant's approach centres on the fundamental belief that peak performance and health are interconnected. She advocates for consistent, well-planned nutrition that takes into account individual rider needs and training loads. Regular health monitoring ensures that any adjustments can be made before small issues become significant problems.

"When we properly fuel riders during races and prioritize recovery periods," she explains, "we see both immediate performance benefits and long-term health improvements."​

Drawing from her extensive experience, Grant emphasizes the importance of education in performance nutrition. She describes how open dialogue between riders and staff creates an environment where concerns can be addressed proactively. This supportive atmosphere, combined with a focus on long-term athlete development, leads to more sustainable success in the sport.

The role of team staff in supporting athlete health and performance cannot be understated, according to Grant. Nutritionists work closely with riders to create personalised fuelling strategies, while doctors monitor health markers to ensure optimal functioning. Coaches play a crucial role in aligning training demands with nutritional needs, and mental health professionals provide essential support for the psychological aspects of performance. Team chefs, she notes, bring all these elements together by preparing meals that satisfy both nutritional requirements and taste preferences.

Grant's passion for cycling shines through when she discusses the potential for positive change. Her vision centers on creating an environment where riders can achieve their peak performance through healthy, sustainable methods. "When we focus on nourishing rather than restricting, we see better performance and healthier athletes," Grant notes. This approach has proven successful throughout her career, leading to both improved performance and sustained health.

Looking ahead, Grant sees several key areas where cycling can continue to evolve. She describes how advanced nutrition timing strategies can be better integrated with training plans, and how personalized hydration protocols can enhance performance across varying conditions. Recovery-optimized meal planning, she explains, should be viewed as equally important as training itself. Season-long nutrition periodisation helps riders maintain consistency while adapting to changing demands.

Her message resonates with both established professionals and emerging talents: success in cycling comes through supporting and strengthening our athletes, not compromising their health. By implementing these positive changes, teams can help riders achieve their full potential while maintaining long-term wellbeing.

As Grant emphasises, the future of cycling lies in combining cutting-edge performance science with sustainable health practices. This balanced approach not only produces better results but also ensures riders can enjoy longer, healthier careers in the sport they love. Through education, support, and a commitment to athlete welfare, professional cycling can continue to evolve while better protecting its most valuable asset - the riders themselves.

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