The compact plastic container with screw cap is handy and fits in small jersey pockets. The energising effect of the 80 milligrams of caffeine works. It may be intensified by the active ingredient taurine, but this has not been proven. The stimulating effect is specifically intended for the last few kilometres on strenuous rides - and should be reserved for these. Otherwise, the designer drink, which tastes like a gummy bear concentrate, has little in common with a classic sports energy drink: due to its high concentration, the liquid is highly hypertonic (thicker than blood) and draws fluid from the body if you don't drink water with it. The dwarf also provides very little usable energy: 27 kilocalories per can (most gels have around 100 to 150 kilocalories per serving). The flavour comes mainly from the sweetener sucralose - besides taurine, this is not the only synthetic additive with a controversial effect. But it's the dose that counts. One or two shots at the end of the tour should be enough.
Reference/Info: Red Bull Deutschland GmbH, telephone 089/206035-0, www.redbull.de
Price: 1.99 euros (retail), 2.79 euros (petrol stations) for a 60-millilitre can
