Cycling team Picnic PostNL and dsm-firmenich gear up sports nutrition range for Tour de France

Ahead of the Tour de France, Dutch professional cycling team Team Picnic PostNL and dsm-firmenich have launched a limited-edition sports nutrition and supplement range, branded Up4 Sports Nutrition, previously used exclusively by the team.

The Up4 products have been rigorously tested in professional sports to develop a range that can be consumed “ride after ride, day after day, without any issues.” The science-based formulations with effective dosages contain “no unnecessary additives.”

“In top sport, every detail is decisive — and nutrition is crucial. Our innovation partnership with dsm-firmenich has enabled us to work with products that are not only scientifically based but also actually make a difference in the performance of our riders,” says Team Picnic PostNL’s head of science, Narelle Neumann.

“With Up4, we are taking this innovation beyond the team so that other athletes — from amateur to elite levels — can also benefit from what has been proven in the peloton.”

The range features fueling products based on optimized energy formulas with a 1:0.8 glucose-fructose ratio for maximum absorption and minimal intestinal stress, alongside recovery products containing rapidly absorbable peptides and antioxidants.

Up4 also includes a variety of supplements with nutraceuticals from dsm-firmenich, like oral vitamin D strips with Ampli-D and vegan omega-3 with life’s Omega. Furthermore, a strong emphasis has been placed on ease of use, taste, and consistency, all of which are essential for achieving long-term peak performance.

Collaborative innovation

Team Picnic PostNL and dsm-firmenich have worked closely together as innovation partners since 2015. This has seen various innovations, including protective fabrics in race clothing.

Initially, Up4 special limited-edition products will be available to purchase via the team’s co-title partner, Picnic, a grocery delivery platform in the Netherlands. Later in the season, Up4 will also be stocked at DA Druggist in the Netherlands. Availability in other markets will follow.

“Working closely with Team Picnic PostNL, and based on leading scientific insights, our product developers, taste experts, and ingredient specialists have developed several products specifically tailored to the needs of endurance athletes,” says dsm-firmenich’s communications and partnership manager, and former team rider, Tom Stamsnijder.

“The result: customized products with thoughtful formulations that are effective, taste good, and are pleasant to use, even under the most demanding conditions of elite sports.”