Solveig Løvseth’s World Championship Win: Inside Her Race-Day Fueling Strategy

On Saturday, Solveig Løvseth became the World Champion in one of the most dramatic finishes the Big Island of Kona, Hawaii has ever seen. Beating Britain’s Kat Matthews by just 35 seconds, it was the third-closest finish in Kona history — and at only 26 years old, Solveig is now the youngest female World Champion since 1986.

For endurance athletes, her victory wasn’t just inspiring — it was a masterclass in precision fueling and hydration, built on consistency, science, and preparation.

Pre-Race Nutrition

• Breakfast: Three slices of white bread with jam, one PF 60 Chew Bar, and a bottle of PH 1500.

• Pre-swim: Two PF 30 Caffeine Gels in the final 30 minutes to maximise energy and alertness.

This combination delivered a clean carbohydrate source, balanced electrolytes, and optimal hydration — a perfect example of high-performance sports nutrition for endurance athletes.

On the Bike: 145 g of Carbs per Hour

During the bike leg, Solveig consumed around 145 g of carbohydrates per hour with 1.2 L of fluid — a gut-trained fueling strategy that sustained energy and hydration in the intense Kona heat.

Her sodium intake (~900 mg per litre) was precisely aligned with her sweat concentration (1,044 mg/L), ensuring steady electrolyte balance.

Bike Fuel Plan:

• Two 1 L bottles, each with PF 300 Flow Gel + two PH 1500 tablets

• One 1 L bottle with PH 1500 only

• Two PF 30 Caffeine Gels mid-ride

• Electrolyte capsules and plain water from aid stations

This was precision fueling at its finest — balancing carbohydrates, caffeine, and sodium for sustained endurance performance.

The Run: Heat, Hydration & Focus

Running through the Kona lava fields, Solveig kept her cool with a plan that replaced fluids nearly equal to her sweat rate — a crucial factor in such extreme conditions.

She drank six 500 ml soft flasks, each containing a PH 1500 tablet and most delivering 60 g of carbohydrates via Flow Gel.

Additional fuel:

• Two PF 30 Caffeine Gels one hour into the run

• Sips of water at aid stations

• A cup of Coca-Cola for a quick glucose-caffeine boost

Her 1.86 L fluid intake per hour maintained performance, hydration, and focus when many others faded — a testament to advanced sports-hydration strategy.

The Final Push to Victory

With 2 km to go, Solveig surged past Taylor Knibb, who had overheated, and held off Kat Matthews in a thrilling finish. Behind her success stood months of planning, heat training, and data-driven fueling with the Precision Fuel & Hydration team led by Brad.

This was more than just physical strength — it was the perfect blend of discipline, science, and endurance-nutrition mastery.

Takeaway for Everyday Athletes

Solveig’s race-day performance shows that elite triathlon nutrition isn’t magic — it’s measurable. Whether you’re training for your first triathlon, marathon, or long-distance cycling event, understanding your carbohydrate intake, hydration strategy, and electrolyte replacement can help you perform stronger and recover faster.

Shop the Fuel That Powered a World Champion

Fuel like a pro with Precision Fuel & Hydration — the same gels, hydration tablets, and electrolyte capsules that powered Solveig Løvseth’s World Championship victory.

Trusted by world-class athletes, tested for performance, and perfect for your next endurance challenge.