Photo : CHRISTOPHE JOUNIAUX / VSA

 

"My worry already is that I love to eat. Now, I have to have a balanced diet and eat a little of everything! Since I intensified my physical preparation, and my goals are much higher, I have to know how to restrict myself. I try to eat in the most balanced way possible like for example at Le Mans where I will eat pasta, white meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, in other words what is really important in the body. To drink fruit juices and eat protein in the morning is also important because it regulates us all day. I allow myself two pleasure meals per week, the rest of the time I am careful because it affects my training, I do not feel as strong when I do not eat right.

During the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is important to recharge oneself especially with carbohydrates (pasta, rice). Four days before the race, the first three days I eat like that and the last day I eat normally, without overdoing it! I also try to keep myself hydrated as much as possible and to recharge with mineral salts.

During the race, I try to eat small snacks that aren't too heavy and I try after each shift to eat starches with, for example, a purée and some rice because it absorbs quicker. Then rehydrate quickly and have a massage.

As far as what I drink, I go with carbonated water which is good for calcium, magnesium and sodium. In the car, I have energy drinks that compensate for the loss of minerals while driving. We lose a lot because of the stress of the heat and the effort. We can lose a lot of water without realizing it. Over a three-hour shift, depending upon the heat, we can lose 3 liters of water which is a lot especially if there are one or two shifts to follow."

David Bristol / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO