Milestones

Energy for athletes and gourmets

The WINFORCE Ultra Energy Complex has long been available in coconut, hazelnut, banana and chestnut flavours and for many years has been known as a delicacy in the nutritional sports supplement sector. The Swiss premium nutrition specialist is now going one better with the 'Edition 2020'. The unbeatable energy concentrate will be available in three new varieties until 2020: 'Dark Chocolate', 'Mango' and 'Salty Peanut'! 

Strengthened by nature

Anyone wishing to survive in the icy forests of Finland, within the Arctic Circle, needs to have strong defences. Only wild and hand-picked berries are used to make Carbo Basic Plus Polar Berries which contain a high concentration of flavonoids. These are what gives the plants their color and protect against harmful environmental influences such as free radicals. In people, phytochemicals can minimize the risk of infection and illness. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects are also beneficial in sport. After all, the same applies here as in nature: only the fit come out on top.

Not just for vegans

High-performance sport and veganism might seem to be incompatible. But the number of athletes seeking a non animal-based alternative alongside the tried-and-tested lactose-free whey proteins is increasing, especially for those who find whey hard to digest. The new Vegan Protein based on lupin and sunflower proteins fulfils this requirement.

Thanks to the use of the vegetable-based amino acids L-glutamine, L-threonine and in particular L-leucine and L-lysine, the gluten and soya-free low-carb mix has a protein content of 66%. While the neutral variety is suitable for increasing the protein content of shakes, smoothies, soups and other liquids in particular, the decaffeinated mocha version can also be consumed with water or mixed with a vegetable-based dairy product.

Against nocturnal hunger

The new Night Protein fills a void in the WINFORCE protein sector. The entirely sugar-free protein mix consists of 91 percent casein, whey isolate and L-glutamine and unlike the Power and Whey Iso Proteins, is absorbed very slowly. The body is therefore supplied with the key amino acids over a period of several hours, thus helping to combat muscle loss (catabolic phase). The longer time spent in the stomach and longer-lasting feeling of fullness make this product particularly suitable for the low-nutrient sleep phase.

Night Protein is available in a re-sealable 600 g bag. It is suitable for strength and endurance athletes who experience hunger pangs in the night as well as for body-conscious people who have gradually lost their taste for sugar after the festive period.

No added fructose

WINFORCE launched a highly digestible, acid-free, hypotonic sports drink onto the market over 10 years ago in the form of the Carbo Basic and later, the Carbo Basic Plus. The carbohydrate mix with potato starch is pH-neutral, much to the delight of dentists! And now there is also a new fructose-free version. The 2-time mountain biking World Cup winner Jolanda Neff has tested it and said: "The peach favour really puts you in the mood for summer!"
A sports drink should taste great, supply the body with water, energy and electrolytes (salt) as well as being easy to digest. In endurance sport with a carbohydrate requirement of 60 g or more per hour, hypotonic solutions (osmolarity of 150 – 250 mosm/l) have the advantage over isotonic (250 – 340) or hypertonic drinks (>340) because they are absorbed more quickly. In the case of the Carbo Basic Plus Peach (177), the digestibility is enhanced by the omission of fructose. The new variety is also very soluble/liquid and as usual, free from lactose, gluten and artificial additives.

Regeneration re-defined

During the regeneration phase, the aim from a nutritional science perspective is to rebuild the proteins destroyed in the muscles during exercise as quickly as possible (protein synthesis). Pre-digested proteins, so-called protein hydrolysates and amino acids (especially branched amino acids – BCAA) play a key role in this because they are absorbed more quickly than structure-bound proteins in meat or plant-based proteins. They have an anabolic effect (building up effect) and also accelerate glycogen re-synthesis.
But why wait until after training if you can start the regeneration process before that? Power Protein Plus enables the body to absorb 25 grams of protein in the form of amino acids (10 g) and in particular BCAA (7,5 g) during the exercise. This means that recuperation time is considerably reduced. Easily digestible, free from lactose and gluten and, unlike a steak, requires virtually no energy to digest!

All-in-one-Formel

Banane, Riegel oder Gel? Diese vor allem in Ausdauerforen rege geführte Diskussion ist diesen Sommer ein für alle Mal beendet. Denn mit dem neuen Ultra Energy Complex Banane lanciert WINFORCE die erste All-in-one-Formel – und das komplett allergenfrei. Der Stöckli-Pro-Team-Fahrer Mathias Flückiger hat das flüssig-fruchtige Energiekonzentrat vor dem Auftakt des BMC Racing Cups getestet. Sein Fazit: "WINFORCE hat es einmal mehr geschafft, ein absolut natürliches Produkt herzustellen, das extrem lecker schmeckt."
So praktisch, ökologisch und preislich attraktiv sich die Banane präsentiert – die wohl beliebteste Sportfrucht hat einen gewichtigen Nachteil: Ballaststoffe. Diese verlangsamen Energieaufnahme und erschweren obendrein die Verdauung – nicht unbedingt das, was man bei einem "Hungerast" braucht. Je nach Reifegrad kann das Verhältnis von Stärke und Cellulose (Pflanzenfasern) zu Glukose und Fruktose (Einfachzucker) zwischen 20:1 und 1:20 (!) variieren. Demgegenüber weisen Sportriegel und -gels ein konstantes Verhältnis zwischen rasch verfügbaren und langsam verfügbaren Energieträgern auf. Während Riegel jedoch – wie die Banane – 1 bis 2 Stunden benötigen, bis sie verstoffwechselt sind, verpufft die Energie aus den meisten Gels vergleichsweise rasch. Anders der Ultra Energy Complex Banane: Der natürliche "Flüssigriegel" auf Basis von Bananenpüree liefert den Muskeln Kohlenhydrate innerhalb von zehn Minuten, stabilisiert den Blutzuckerspiegel dank Pflanzenölen indes deutlich länger als reine Zuckergels, die für die Absorption zudem viel Flüssigkeit benötigen. Gegenüber den bestehenden Sorten Kokos- und Haselnuss beträgt der Fettanteil bei der Fruchtvariante neu 20 statt 30 Prozent, was den neuen Ultra Energy Complex leichter und auch für Laufbelastungen noch interessanter macht. Die klassische Banane wiederum taugt nach wie vor als kaliumreiche Zwischenverpflegung oder für die Regeneration, zum Beispiel im Mixer als Smoothie oder Recovery-Shake mit Power Protein Vanille, wie ihn Mathias Flückiger nach dem Training gerne zubereitet.

Flüssige Marroni für den Winter

WINFORCE hat sich etwas ganz Spezielles für die kalte Jahreszeit einfallen lassen: ein natürliches Energiekonzentrat auf der Basis von Kastanienpüree und Pflanzenölen. Weil der Energiebedarf bei Kälte steigt und der Körper in der Höhe mehr Fett verbrennt als im Flachland, eignet sich der Ultra Energy Complex nicht nur für Ausdauerathleten, sondern für alle Schnee-, Touren- und Alpinsportler, die mehrere Stunden unterwegs sind und dabei kompakte, aber auch verträgliche Energieträger benötigen.
Während mehrstündigen Belastungen reicht eine Portion alle 30 bis 60 Minuten. Ein Sachet (25 g), bei Minustemperaturen idealerweise mit ein wenig Körperwärme vorgewärmt eingenommen, liefert etwas mehr als 100 natürliche Kalorien und enthält neben Omega-3- und Omega-6-Fettsäuren auch 250 mg L-Carntin, das den Fettstoffel begünstigt und die Regeneration fördert. "Man ist nicht einmal gezwungen, Flüssigkeit nachzutrinken, um das Klebrige aus dem Mund zu bringen", schwärmt Tamara Lunger, ehemalige Skitouren-Weltmeisterin und jüngste Frau auf dem Gipfel des 8516 m hohen Lhotse: "Als ich das erste Mal davon Gebrauch machte, war ich sehr positiv überrascht. Der Geschmack war der Hammer, die Konsistenz ebenso." Die Geschwister Dominique, Marc und Michelle Gisin haben das neue Geschmackswunder auch während des Gletschertrainings getestet. Ihr Fazit: "Sensationell und fast zu fein nur für den Spitzensport." Dabei müsse nicht einmal ein grosser Marroni- und Vermicelles-Fan sein, um die zusätzliche Energie zu lieben, finden die Ski-Asse weiter.

"All natural" muscle growth

"The Weight Gainer is a condensed combination of carbohydrate and protein with a high proportion of BCAA, specially developed to build up weight and strength", says Remo Gugolz. As a former Swiss wrestler defined more by athleticism than muscle mass, he had long thought about how to boost his strength in a quick and natural way during his active wrestling period. And so the idea of the Weight Gainer was born. And now it is a reality. "All natural" is its motto. The mix does not contain any stabilisers, artificial sweeteners, thickeners or preservatives, resulting in an exceptionally soluble and digestible product.

Small ampoule, substantial impact

A refreshing flavour and invigorating effect: the Swiss Orienteering World Championship athletes in Lausanne were very enthusiastic when they spoke about the new Booster. "The Booster has given some of the athletes a real boost again", says elite head trainer Vroni König-Salmi. The Swiss Orienteering Team was one of the first to test out this new "secret weapon" from WINFORCE. "It's almost a shame that the Booster is being launched onto the market now because we will lose our advantage", says Sprint World Champion Matthias Kyburz, grinning.
The caffeine shot, enriched with L-carnitine and refreshing cola and lemon flavor, gives the user a real "boost" when taken (hence the name). It is particularly suitable for the end phase (last half hour) during a longer stint of exercise – or just before the start if needed. A small ampoule is all that is needed and the caffeine (160 mg) combined with the short-chain sugar types quickly unfold their effect: performance mode is activated, perception of tiredness reduced and concentration enhanced. The booster helps the user to keep a clear head, even when exhausted. It is ideal for orienteering where quick decision-making and fast legs are required.

Among the best new companies in Switzerland

WINFORCE AG is one of the three finalists in the Production/Trade and Industry category for the most important prize for young entrepreneurs in Switzerland.

Neuer Geschmack, gleiche Vorteile

Der Ultra Energy Complex mit Kokosraspeln unterstützt die Ausdauerleistung und gilt unter vielen Sportlern als echtes Geschmackserlebnis. Ab sofort gibt es ihn auch in einer Haselnuss-Variante. Die Leistungsvorteile bleiben dieselben: Das Energiekonzentrat mit Kohlenhydraten und hochwertigen Pflanzenölen sorgt – anders als reine Zuckergels – für einen konstanten Blutzuckerspiegel. Ausserdem begünstigt der Zusatz von L-Carnitin den Fettstoffwechsel und fördert die Erholung. Die geballte Ladung Energie hat beispielsweise an der Tour de France schon etliche Fahrer vor dem Hungerast bewahrt.
Übrigens: Der Ultra Energy Complex liefert nicht nur Energie für lange Ausdauerbelastungen, sondern eignet sich auch als hochwertige Zwischenverpflegung und als "Notproviant" bis zur nächsten festen Mahlzeit. Wie bei WINFORCE-Produkten üblich ist der Ultra Energy Complex frei von Zusatzstoffen wie künstlichen Aromen, Farbstoffen oder Konservierungsmitteln.

Kein Geschmack, viele Möglichkeiten

Das WINFORCE-Molkenproteinisolat, bereits in den Aromen Kakao, Vanille und Erdbeer erhältlich, gibt es auch in der neutralen Geschmacksrichtung ohne Süssungsmittel, ideal zum Proteinanreichern von Früchte- und Gemüse-Smoothies, und, und, und. Der Kombination sind (fast) keine Grenzen gesetzt.

First liquid bar with vegetable oils

WINFORCE is presenting a milestone in sports nutrition with the Ultra Energy Complex Coconut. What started out as an experiment and "insider's tip" at the Race Across America (Andrea Clavadetscher 2001/Dani Wyss 2006) is now officially available. The energy concentrate is based on high quality vegetable oils with a balanced ratio of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6).
Vegetable oils are among the most energy-rich nutrients (9,3 kcal/g). Compared to a purely carbohydrate-based intake (bars, gels, etc.), the new "liquid bar" from WINFORCE enables the absorption of twice as many calories with optimal digestibility. This means that the body has more energy left for sporting activity with the same nutritional intake.

First acid-free sports drink

The Carbo Basic (2005) or its successor Carbo Basic Plus is the first acid-free sports drink on the market. The potato starch used has a considerably larger molecule structure than the short-chain, sugary carbohydrates used in standard sports drinks. The bigger the structural formula of a carbohydrate, the faster it passes through the stomach and can then be absorbed into the blood stream via the intestine. This process is known as osmolarity. The lower the osmolarity, the faster the carbohydrate gets into the blood.
The acid-free composition and low osmolarity make for optimal digestibility, especially with high intensity, long-lasting exercise. Low osmolarity is also reflected in a faster glycogen synthesis in the muscles and liver. The high absorption of carbohydrates means that no more gels or bars are required over 2 to 3 hours of exercise. The Carbo Basic Plus Neutral can also be taken warm. The high-tech sports drink can be given a personal touch with a tea bag or a few drops of syrup or Isotone.

L-Carnitin ist eine körpereigene Substanz, welche im Fettstoffwechsel eine zentrale Rolle spielt. Als Transportmolekül dient L-Carnitin der Energiegewinnung indem es Fettsäuren zur Verbrennung in die Mitochondrien, den "Kraftwerke" der Zellen, befördert.
Die effiziente Verwertung von Fettsäuren ist umso bedeutsamer, je länger die Belastung andauert. Deshalb gelangt L-Carnitin auch bei dem in der Testphase befindlichen Energiekonzentrat Ultra Energy Complex zum Einsatz.

Founding of the company

WINFORCE, which was launched by Remo Gugolz in Menzingen ZG, will become a premium sports nutrition specialist which produces all of its products exclusively in Switzerland.

Protein in powdered form

Proteins are the most important nutrient for building up muscle tissue. Depending on the sport in question, an athlete requires 1,2 to 2,5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight and day. High demands on muscle energy, concentration and coordination require a high intake of high quality protein and this is not always easy or digestible.
But this is not the case with Whey Iso Protein. The production using ion exchange and cross-flow micro-infiltration enables an extremely high protein content with a low fat and carbohydrate content yet with the same high biological value.

Electrolytes as a syrup

Isotone – this is the name of the isotonic drink in concentrate rather than powder form. The natural Swiss sports drink works like a syrup and contains the key electrolytes. It is ideal for fitness, leisure and team sports which do not have an excessive carbohydrate requirement (30 g/hour).
Unlike a standard sports drink, Isotone does not contain any artificial additives like acidifying agents, stabilisers, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners and colourings. This is reflected in the fresh and fruity flavour and optimal digestibility, whatever the sporting activity in question.

First low-carb recovery shake

Modern competitive sports are not about who trains the most but rather who can recuperate the fastest. In endurance sports in particular (motto: carbohydrate, carbohydrate, carbohydrate), proteins have been neglected for a long time. Protein drinks are generally associated with muscle development and can considerably support recuperation after a hard training session or competition. Standard recovery shakes are generally based on a carbohydrate-protein ratio of 5:1 (emphasis on carbohydrates) or 1:1 (emphasis on proteins). There is a risk of an unwanted weight gain.
The practically pure Power Protein mix is going one step further without the endless calories and additives which place stress on the stomach. Taken with skimmed milk or water (for people with a lactose intolerance), the protein concentrate is virtually free from carbohydrates. Instead, four natural sources of protein come into play. Split proteins, so-called peptides, quickly supply the body with the most important amino acid components and reduce recuperation time by 30 to 40 % compared to normal proteins. Add to this the high molecular, slow-assimilation proteins whose effects can still be seen hours later.
Power Protein acts faster if the shake is taken straight after exercise. At this time, the body is in a catabolic phase and is particularly receptive to high quality amino acids.

First experiments in the garage

Dissatisfied with the existing range of sports nutrition products, athlete and food engineer Remo Gugolz sets about developing his proprietary replenishment and regeneration drinks in his own garage.