shop

Why is everyone going bonkers over beetroot shots? The benefits of nitrates for sports performance

Can glugging down shots of beetroot juice really help to improve your performance? We take a look at what it is about the bright purple stuff that could enhance your training and racing. Plus look at alternatives that don't come with a side of foul taste.

By Jenny Lucas-Hill

Content Director

Last updated -

16 Jul 2025

Chugging a shot of bright purple beetroot juice might not be many people’s pre-training breakfast of choice. In fact, it sounds more like something you’d have to do as a forfeit, than something you’d ...

This is a premium article as part of the subscription

Join Now

Written by

Jenny Lucas-Hill

Jenny Lucas-Hill was Content Director at TRI247 until Sept 2025. A five-time Ironman finisher, she's also a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist.

Discover more

Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia

Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you

Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023

Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport

Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?

Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade

The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing

latest News

Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See 2025

17 Sep 2025

Five new locations announced as 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series calendar unveiled

Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Miyazaki 2024 Results

16 Sep 2025

‘Another three good years’ – Olympic champ Gwen Jorgensen WILL race on after surgery

Marten Van Riel IMWC Nice 2025 finish line

16 Sep 2025

IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Van Riel on ‘out of this world’ Norwegians

15 Sep 2025

IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Emotional Stornes hails impact of ‘best mates’

Stornes Iden Blummenfelt IMWC Nice podium 2025

15 Sep 2025

IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Full finishing order and DNF details including Magnus Ditlev

triathlon on your terms

Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

HOME

SHOP MENU

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Why is everyone going bonkers over beetroot shots? The benefits of nitrates for sports performance

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year £95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Start your free 7-day

trial to keep reading

Become part of something epic. Join our TRI247+ community to get full access to our exclusive library of premium content and support us on our mission to elevate the world of endurance sport.

£47.95/year
£95.40/year