British cyclist Emma Finucane has revealed that riders competing at next week’s UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Shanghai have been cautioned to avoid consuming local food and water. Finucane, 23, who will represent Great Britain in the team sprint, individual sprint, and keirin events, shared the information during an interview on the Watts Occurring podcast.

The championships are scheduled to take place in Shanghai, China, from October 14 to 18. According to Finucane, British Cycling has advised athletes to steer clear of certain food items, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as to avoid drinking tap water. She described the restrictions as frustrating, suggesting that the decision by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to host the competition at this location has complicated the athletes’ preparations.

The warnings appear to be motivated by concerns over food safety and health risks, although specific reasons behind the advisories have not been detailed by team officials or the UCI. British Cycling’s precaution aims to minimize potential illness that could impact athlete performance during the high-profile championship event.

This is not the first time international sporting events in certain locations have prompted advisories about local food and water consumption, as teams often take extra measures to safeguard competitors’ health in unfamiliar environments. As the championships approach, teams will continue to adapt their protocols accordingly.

The UCI Track Cycling World Championships bring together top cyclists from around the world to compete across multiple disciplines, making adherence to health and safety guidance a critical component of their success. The event’s positioning in Shanghai marks another global stage for track cycling ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle.