From electric muscle stimulation to scientifically engineered swimsuits, athletes are always seeking the newest breakthrough that will give them a cutting edge in their performance. The latest innovation? Eating gluten-free.

The Garmin team of cyclists, currently competing in the Tour de France, is adhering to a gluten-free diet as a means to reduce inflammation. The idea runs counter to traditional nutritional practices for endurance athletes; racers burn through calories during the grueling inclines of the Tour de France and cyclists are renowned for fueling up on starchy carbohydrates such as pasta. But the Garmin team considers  gluten the culprit for inflammation and bloating, so they’ve eliminated it from their diets during racing season.

And they’ve seen a difference. In this Men’s Journal article, Garmin team member Tom Danielson says that after he switched to the gluten-free diet, “My performance really improved a lot — there was definitely a correlation.” Fellow racer Christian Van Gelde also praised the gluten-free diet to Men’s Journal, saying “I just had all-around better digestion, and digestion is the biggest thing in utilizing the energy I consume.”

The team has found plenty of alternatives to wheat pasta for their carbo-loading, such as foods made with rice and oats. Their anti-inflammatory diet also includes lean meats such as fish and poultry, fruits, and veggies to provide the protein and vitamins they need for peak performance. For gluten-free snacking during the Tour, the Garmin team brought Bakery On Main’s granola with them.  Bakery On Main reports that Garmin’s chiropractor, Matthew Rabin, chose the Cranberry Maple, Extreme Fruit & Nut, and Apple Raisin Walnut flavors of granola for the team, which he says are “Exactly what would be beneficial for our riders and sits perfectly alongside our dietary ethos.”  You can see the products at Bakery on Main’s website.

Garmin’s current standings in the Tour de France can be viewed here. As of Stage 17, Garmin team member Ryder Hesdejal from Canada was in 7th place, with the Garmin team in ­16th place overall. It’s pretty cool to know that athletes performing at such a high level are choosing to eat gluten-free for better health!