This post-ride drink option first came to my attention at the RideLondon sportive a couple of years ago when it was being given out by the gallon.

On a hot day, having done 100 miles quicker than I might normally, it went down very well. But then again so would normal beer at that point in a sunny park on a summer’s day.

This drink is now available to buy in the UK. Erdinger says that its alcohol-free (0.5 per cent) beer is rich in vitamins, low in calories and claims it to be the “the perfect refreshing drink for the social athlete”.

>>> How to make your own recovery and energy drinks

A drink that looks, tastes and smells like beer might be an odd choice when you’ve just got in the door after a century ride (although it's often welcome later that evening), but it went down surprisingly well.

Dos and don'ts after every ride

The drink is genuinely refreshing, but would need a bit more scientific research than a quickly downed bottle whilst still stood around in kit to check the brand’s claims that “Erdinger Alkoholfrei contains vitamins and micronutrients that help the body replenish immediately after sport”.

>>> More information: erdinger.de/beer/alkoholfrei

The beer was chased down with a High5 recovery drink to make double sure that I’d feel like riding the following day (which I did).

There are an increasing number of peer reviewed publications in respectable journals that describe the beneficial effects of nitrate supplementation. For those unfamiliar, nitrates are believed to increase the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, meaning you can perform at a higher intensity for longer, which is ideal for endurance athletes. One study by Professor Andrew Jones at Exeter University looked at the effect of nitrate on time trial performance. Over a 10 mile time trial, it was found that nitrate improved power output by 2.7% compared to the placebo conditions. In a world of marginal gains, that is significant. It has been reported that beetroot juice is a staple at the Team Sky breakfast table and part of the nutrition plans of many other top athletes.

 Nitrate, the new super source?

Foods such as beetroot, spinach, kale and broccoli are typically high in nitrates, although concentrations can vary. For this reason, Beet It aim to offer products that contain consistent levels of nitrate. The Beet It Pro Elite Shot reportedly contains 400 mg of dietary nitrate per 70 mL bottle. Based upon clinical studies, the makers suggest consuming 400 mg of nitrate daily for 4 days before an event and on the day of the event itself.

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Our verdict? The taste of beetroot juice is acquired. Some of our testers liked the earthy after-taste and others found the challenge of consuming soil flavoured liquid greater than the endurance event they were about to undertake. That considered, the Beet It Shot is an attractive option, as it can be downed in one gulp. It is important to consider that cooking nitrate rich foods diminishes the nitrate content, so although these shots are expensive at £1.89 each, they are arguably more convenient and reliable than preparing a beetroot, kale and spinach salad.

Caffeine can make you ride faster

For more information, head over to James White 

This formula delivers 52g of carbohydrate, as maltodextrin, falling a little short of most individuals' needs in the recovery period (1g of carbohydrate per kg of body weight) but the protein per serving is in the right range (13g).

Electrolytes to replace salts lost in sweat and additional vitamins C and E will help to rebalance any losses. With just under half a gram of glutamine you may think that your muscles and immune system are getting the best support, but with 5g being the optimal dose this product under-delivers.

A good ingredient selection but the dosages are not quite right.

Rego provides a mix of fast-digesting carbohydrates totalling 59g per serving (maltodextrin and fructose) to maximise re-uptake of carbohydrate in the muscle stores after exercise, along with 26g of soy protein to aid muscle repair and support transportation.

This recovery formula also has a full vitamin and mineral complement along with electrolytes to assist the replenishment of those lost in sweat. It's a little low on the carbohydrate side, meeting only the needs of relatively light cyclists, and delivering more protein than necessary (the ideal is 10-15g in this period).

The ingredients are good but the ratios are a little out. That said, this is a reasonably pleasant tasting recovery formula which should provide benefits after most sessions.