Performance Process: How, when, and why to use bicarb for performance

It’s a humble kitchen cupboard staple, but sodium bicarbonate is also one of the most powerful and misunderstood tools in the endurance athlete’s arsenal. In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan Mc Laughlin is joined by Robert Gorgos – nutritionist to WorldTour teams and founder of MNSTRY – to unpack the science and practical use of bicarb. From dosage protocols to side effects, gels vs powders, recovery benefits, and whether it’s worth using for amateurs, pros, short efforts, or ultras, this episode is the definitive guide to bicarb loading in cycling. Plus, how it stacks with beta-alanine and nitrates, and what’s changing with encapsulated delivery formats.

What is Performance Process?

Welcome to the Performance Process podcast, hosted by Ronan Mc Laughlin and Caley Fretz.

This podcast is dedicated to unearthing and analysing the processes behind some of the most successful athletes in the world, and understanding how every rider can apply them to their own improvement.

The Performance Process podcast is produced exclusively for Escape Collective members. While you'll see partial episodes on this feed please head to https://escapecollective.com/member/ to become a member and gain access to the full episodes!