'Nutrition is important, being methodical is good, but being mentally carefree is more important' - Filippo Ganna advises against diet and training obsessions

Filippo Ganna, the formidable Italian time trialist, recently offered a refreshing perspective on elite performance, advising against obsessive diet and training regimes. Speaking to *CyclingNews*, Ganna revealed he secured his first TT World Championship title in 2020 after a pre-race meal of Nutella, scrambled eggs, and bacon. His philosophy prioritises a "mentally carefree" approach over meticulous nutritional planning, suggesting a relaxed mindset is paramount for success.

This counter-intuitive declaration from a multiple world champion and Olympic gold medallist challenges the increasingly scientific and often rigid protocols governing modern professional cycling. In an era where every watt and calorie is meticulously tracked, Ganna's anecdote harks back to a simpler, perhaps more intuitive, approach. His consistent top-tier results, particularly in time trials where precision is key, lend significant weight to his argument, suggesting mental well-being can indeed trump perceived physiological perfection.

Ganna's candidness serves as a timely reminder that even at the pinnacle of the sport, the human element, specifically a clear and unburdened mind, remains an indispensable component of performance. Perhaps a dollop of Nutella is the secret ingredient after all.