Triathletes can look forward to a well-hydrated summer of competition thanks to Gatorade, the world’s most popular and most researched sports drink. Gatorade has announced that scientific advisors to its Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) will be on-site at a number of top class events throughout 2007 offering ‘Hydration Assessment Tests’ along with support and expertise to competitors and spectators alike.

The tests will help all competitors – from newcomers to elite athletes - learn more about the rate at which they sweat and the levels of fluid they need to take on during physical activity in order to perform to their maximum. The advisor, Dr Susan Shirreffs of Loughborough University will be on site to administer the tests and provide sports hydration and nutrition advice.

For over 20 years the GSSI has been a world-renowned sports science centre dedicated to addressing the performance and safety needs of athletes through scientific exploration in the fields of hydration and nutrition science. Its scientists evaluate the impact of various sports hydration and nutritional practices on athletes at both amateur and elite levels. By studying physiological, biomechanical, metabolic and hormonal responses to fluid and nutrient intake before and after exercise, GSSI Scientists are able to learn more about athletes’ needs, inside and out.

The Hydration Assessment Tests will allow individuals to find out how well they replace the fluids they lose through sweat during exercise, by measuring weight change pre- and post-physical activity. The tests will show how rapidly dehydration occurs.

By testing an athlete’s fluid replacement behaviour live at the event, Dr Shirreffs can then advise individuals on a personal fluid-drinking regime to help individuals stay safely hydrated, to optimise athletic performance and help prevent heat illness. Understanding personal hydration levels and receiving a hydration guide will help athletes step into training or competition fully prepared to help ensure safety and peak performance.

Hydration Assessment Tests are available to competitors and spectators at the following events: The Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon (www.thelondontriathlon.com/LThome.html) on the 4th and 5th August, and at Sherborne for the Ironman UK (www.iron.ironmanuk.com) from the 16th to the 19th August. For full details about these events visit the official websites:

Gatorade will also have several guest appearances on its stand from a variety of well known triathlon personalities. These will include pro-triathlete, distance runner and coach Richard Allen, the only Briton to have won nine national championship titles. Stephen Bayliss, British Middle Distance Champion 2005 and world number two in the ITU Long Distance rankings 2005. Also, Bella Comerford, current World Long Course Triathlon Champion and the UK’s 220 Triathlon Magazine’s Elite Female Athlete of the year in 2005/06.

Make sure you secure a Hydration Assessment Test at any of the events mentioned above; places are strictly limited so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information about Gatorade in the UK visit www.gatorade.co.uk