The Real Science of Sport Podcast Pro Preview: Ashleigh Moolman Pasio on Rwanda's World Cycling Champs
Sep 25, 2025
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, a seasoned South African cyclist, shares her insights before the Kigali World Cycling Championships. She discusses the unique challenges of racing at altitude and explains her preparation strategies, including managing insulin resistance and using supplements to enhance performance. Ashleigh reveals why the Kigali course aligns with her strengths and reflects on the fresh perspective gained from missing the Tour de France. With keen analysis of race dynamics, she also highlights the surprises that could emerge in both the men's and women's races.
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Athlete's Paradox Explained
- Ashleigh struggled mid-season with blood-sugar control due to developed insulin resistance (athlete's paradox).
- She identified the issue using a continuous glucose monitor and adjusted fueling strategies.
Fueling: Sip, Combine, Monitor
- Use a continuous glucose monitor to identify individual fueling responses and restore beneficial supplements like hesperidin if they help.
- Sip refined carbs continuously and pair sugars with fat or fibre instead of taking large gels late in races.
Supplement And Self-Reliant Feeding
- Ashleigh learned a supplement with hesperidin had been helping her insulin sensitivity and resumed it mid-season.
- She now carries most solid foods herself and manages feeds to avoid late-race energy crashes.