226ers to Fuel Gravel Racing at the King Price Race to the Sun and Sea
Success in gravel racing, where 100-mile distances are the standard, is often determined by nutrition. For elite athletes, racing demands a 4-and-a-half-hour effort, while for amateurs, those hours on the bike can easily be doubled. The right sports nutrition is therefore key at all performance levels, from victory to finishing just in time to beat the cut-off. From 2026, participants in the King Price Race to the Sun and King Price Race to the Sea gravel events will find it easier to fuel for their goals, thanks to 226ers. Gravel racers in these events will benefit from industry-leading science-backed sports nutrition following the announcement of the Spanish brand as the races’ Official Nutrition Sponsor.
The three-year partnership – which includes the 2026, 2027, and 2028 editions of the gravel races presented by Faces – sees 226ers provide their world-class products at aid stations on route. Riders will be able to rely on 226ers High Energy Gels, 226ers Bio Energy Gels, and 226ers Endurance Fuel Bars for mid-race fuelling. For hydration, 226ers will be supplying their Isotonic and Energy Drink, sugar-free energy drinks, at the water points.
“We’re excited to elevate the King Price Race to the Sun, and King Price Race to the Sea rider experiences with 226ers,” JP Nortje said, on behalf of the race organisers. “Through their sponsorship of the Honeycomb 226ers team, as well as other sporting events, South African cyclists will already be familiar with the brand, and we’re looking forward to introducing our entrants to the 226ers product range.”
“Something which stands out for me, personally, is 226ers’ commitment to using natural ingredients wherever possible and clearly communicating which of their products are low in sugar, contain no sugar, are gluten-free, and vegan. This makes it easier to identify which products work for you,” Nortje noted.
“Two of SA’s biggest gravel races. One fuel choice. 226ers,” said Kyle Mitchell, brand owner of 226ers South Africa. “This partnership is about more than just nutrition; it’s about performance, trust, and delivering world-class fuel to athletes who demand the best when it matters most.”
“Both the King Price Race to the Sun and King Price Race to the Sea have rapidly grown into standout events on the South African cycling calendar, attracting elite competitors and passionate gravel riders alike. With 226ers onboard, participants can expect premium, science-backed nutrition designed to optimise endurance, hydration, and recovery,” Mitchell concluded.
Double King Prince Race to the Sun defending champion, Marc Pritzen, has been a 226ers athlete since the brand’s launch in South Africa. “One of the things I love about 226ers is their range of flavours. Salty Strawberry is my favourite currently in the 226ers High Energy Gel range,” the 2024 South African gravel champion stated. “They also offer High Energy and High Fructose gels. The 226ers High Energy Gel is perfect for earlier in a race, or pre-race, because it provides prolonged energy release. The 226ers High Fructose Gel is better suited for the finale of a race, because it features a high glycaemic index and delivers a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, with instant release of energy. Everyone has a different caffeine tolerance. Mine is quite high, so I also really like the 266ers Energy Shot Xtreme with 250 milligrams of caffeine.”
“226ers really simplifies your fuelling strategy,” Pritzen praised. “When racing, 226ers allows me to rely on the feed zones less than before, because I can carry less nutrition and I can drink less too. The day before a race, like King Price Race to the Sun, I’ll take two 226ers High Fructose Gels in my activation ride, just to make sure I’m not under-fuelling the day before. Then on race day, I aim for about 150 grams of carbs an hour, which equates to one 226ers High Fructose Energy Drink bottle per hour, and two to three gels. For the first two hours, I’ll use the 226ers High Energy Gels, then I’ll switch over to the High Fructose Gels, and in the last hour, I’ll use the 226ers products with caffeine, like the Energy Shot Xtreme or the Cherry flavour High Fructose Gel, which has 160 milligrams of caffeine. After the race, I’ll use the 226ers Recovery Drink.”
For more information on the 226ers products, which will be available at King Price Race to the Sun and King Price Race to the Sea water points, cyclists can visit www.226ers.co.za. To enter the 2026 editions of the country’s premier gravel races, which take place on 30 May and 5 September, respectively, visit www.racetothesun.co.za and www.racetothesea.co.za.
| 2026 King Price Race to the Sun | |
| Race Date: | 30 May 2026 |
| Website: | www.racetothesun.co.za |
| Facebook: | Race To The Sun |
| Instagram: | @race2thesun |
| YouTube | @racetothesun |
| 2026 King Price Race to the Sea | |
| Race Date: | 5 September 2026 |
| Website: | www.racetothesea.co.za |
| Facebook: | Race 2 The Sea |
| Instagram: | @race2thesea |
| YouTube | @race2thesea |