Seventeen stages into the legendary Giro d’Italia, the numbers behind the race are becoming impossible to ignore. After covering 2,817 kilometres across Italy’s demanding terrain, the physical toll on riders continues to grow with every stage that passes.
But beyond the dramatic climbs, sprint finishes, and race-day headlines lies another battle happening quietly behind the scenes: the constant challenge of nutrition, hydration, and recovery.
For cyclist Fran Miholjević and his team, every detail matters. Maintaining peak physical condition has become essential for cyclist Fran Miholjević and his team to survive one of cycling’s toughest competitions, from carbohydrate intake before the race to hydration strategies during each stage and recovery immediately after crossing the finish line.
Professional riders burn enormous amounts of energy daily, especially during multi-stage races like the Giro. By the race’s rest day, Fran was estimated to have burnt an astonishing 97,006 calories, highlighting the extreme physical demands placed on elite athletes throughout the competition.
Fans also joined the experience through a calorie prediction challenge, with Katya Georgieva successfully submitting the closest estimate.
As the Giro d’Italia continues, Fran’s journey reflects the endurance, discipline, and preparation required to compete at the highest level of professional cycling.
