By Aled Blake

EXTREME sports enthusiasts now have a drink developed specifically for their needs – thanks to a company in Cardiff.

Mountain Fuel has developed a range of supplements targeted at the market for extreme and endurance sports athletes, a market which the company says has been ignored by mainstream sports drinks manufacturers.

The Cardiff company has been established by extreme and endurance enthusiasts who were frustrated with not being able to source and therefore consume the correct high-energy foods necessary to meet their energy needs.

Out of the vast number of sport supplements already on the market, they found that none adequately met their criteria in terms of nutrition, choice and ease of use.

Company directors Nicky Edmonds, pictured, and Darren Foote believe that they have identified a potential gap in the market for specialised sports supplements which are able to totally sustain the body’s nutritional and mental requirements in extreme conditions.

The Mountain Fuel range of products has been specifically developed for this purpose over an 18-month period with extensive field trials carried out by athletes in some of the most challenging conditions.

The feedback received was positive, with evidence suggesting that the products contain a completely balanced set of nutrients for the serious athlete, whether beginner or experienced.

Mountain Fuel has teamed up with one of the top UK manufacturers in sport nutrition as they now plan to launch the product in the UK.

Mr Foote, a qualified mountain leader and an armed forces veteran, said: “Our products won’t be found on any supermarket shelves as these are products aimed at athletes who are serious about their sport.

“As an extreme and endurance sports enthusiast and former fitness instructor for the forces, I am experienced in rock climbing and mountaineering and I’ve always been on the look out for supplements to sustain me and keep me totally fuelled.

“At Mountain Fuel, we have developed a range of four complementary products which provide a completely balanced set of nutrients for one day – Morning Fuel, Xtreme Energy Fuel, Ultimate Recovery Fuel and Night Fuel. All of our products contain a complete nutritional breakdown of active ingredients, none of which appear on the IOC banned substance list and all of the products are great tasting too.

“Research shows endurance and extreme sports require sustained intense power output over long periods. Also training is often long and intense, therefore it is of paramount importance to maintain a high carbohydrate intake.

“For instance, our Morning Fuel is a nutritionally loaded formula combining the highest quality proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and peptide bonded amino acids.

“The pre-biotic fructo oligosaccharides has been added to aid digestion and we have also added dietary fibre, all of which amounts to a complete meal in itself, therefore taking all of the guess work out of your first and most important meal of the day.”

Sales director Ms Edmonds said: “We know from our own experience that extreme and endurance athletes require some- thing which is quick, easy to use, and effective, and can sustain their energy levels.

“Our products can be made anywhere, at any time in seconds. The sachets are water resistant and are lightweight, making them easy to carry and store.

“We have carried out a number of field trials and the response to date has been fantastic; we know we are on to a winning formula and we can’t wait for people to see the positive benefits of using Mountain Fuel.”

Qualified fitness instructor, triathlete fitness fanatic Paul Bennett, has been using the products for the past 12 months.

He said: “As a dedicated athlete I train exceptionally hard and therefore need something which really works. I find that Mountain Fuel provides me with all the nutrients I need to keep going during gruelling training regimes, competitions and expeditions.

“I would not attempt any serious event without a good supply of Mountain Fuel.”