Nutrition on and off the bike is an integral part of a cyclist's success. This is no secret to Dr. Allen Lim and the Garmin Slipstream team. A few years ago, when CycleOps Power asked Dr. Lim to share some tips on training and racing, we had no idea he had such culinary prowess. However, Dr. Lim revealed some secret recipes for race foods he prepares for team Garmin-Slipstream. The recipes weren't secret for long, with one of those recipes, Allen’s “rice cakes” becoming wildly popular.

Nutrition off the bike is just as important. Not every cyclist has a gourmet chef at home, but fortunately for Garmin-Slipstream rider Christian Vande Velde, his wife Leah has quite the repertoire of culinary skills due to her background in the restaurant business and fondness for fresh ingredients. Her unique philosophy on food preparation as well as a few of her recipes were recently featured in VeloNews.com.

You don't have to be a professional chef or a PhD to understand the benefits of good nutrition, so we want to know: is there a favorite recipe you turn to when racing or training? Do you create your own granola bars? Cook the same pasta dish the night before every important race? Blend the same smoothie upon return of your Saturday morning group ride?

Submit your favorite recipe to our Facebook page, CycleOps Power, by July 6 at midnight, CDT. Post a video, written instructions, or a link to a recipe onto our wall.* CycleOps will determine the best five and will send them overseas to none other than Leah Vande Velde herself for careful review. On July 10, Leah’s decision will be revealed by video as she prepares and enjoys the winning recipe in the kitchen of the Vande Velde's Girona, Spain home.

Here is another look at Allen's step-by-step instructions for creating his delicious rice cakes to inspire you. Remember, in order for your recipe to be considered by Leah Vande Velde to be prepared in the Vende Velde's kitchen in Girona, we need to get your recipes by Monday, July 6th, so GET COOKIN'!

*In order to have access to posting on the CycleOps Power Facebook wall, you need to be a Facebook member and become a Fan of CycleOps Power. A free Facebook account can be created at facebook.com.