Beschrijving
Sodium phosphate loading, bicarbonate buffering, R-alpha lipoic acid and 95% grape seed proanthocyanidins in one race-week protocol. SCN™ Race Max Pro is designed to help your body deliver more oxygen to working muscle, buffer the acid that ends your race early, and protect every cell from the oxidative load of hard racing — so you arrive at the start line with more aerobic capacity than you trained for.
10 training-day protocol
Research-matched 2.7 g/day sodium phosphate
Stimulant-free
Doping-free & cross-contamination safe
Ships from Europe · worldwide
Marathon, triathlon, cycling, ultra, rowing
Load Race Max Pro in the final 19 days before your A-race. Sodium phosphate is one of the few legal supplements shown to raise maximal oxygen uptake in trained athletes — the ceiling that limits every long effort you do.
Track, swimming, CrossFit, team sports
Repeated high-intensity bouts are won in the last reps. Bicarbonate buffering plus phosphate-driven ATP and phosphocreatine resynthesis help you hold power when muscle pH is falling.
Train hard, age well
R-alpha lipoic acid and grape seed proanthocyanidins supply mitochondrial and vascular antioxidant support — because the free-radical load of heavy training is the price of performance, and SCN™ believes you shouldn’t pay it with your long-term health.
What is Race Max Pro?
Race Max Pro is a VO2 max supplement and pre-race loading formula from SCN™ (Strength and Conditioning Nutrition) — the upgraded successor to our best-selling SCN Race Max. It combines four ingredients with published human research behind them: Sodium Phosphate Tribasic, Sodium Bicarbonate, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and Grape Seed Extract standardised to 95% proanthocyanidins.
Most “pre-race” products are caffeine and sugar. Race Max Pro is different: it is a loading protocol. You take it for the days leading into competition so that your blood’s oxygen-releasing capacity, your muscle buffering, and your cellular energy machinery are physiologically primed before the gun goes off — not a 30-minute stimulant hit.
SCN™ developed Race Max Pro specifically for endurance athletes, because this is the audience we build every product for. It is the most research-aligned VO2 max supplement in our Energy | VO2Max line and the one our sponsored athletes reach for in race week.
Why athletes choose Race Max Pro
- Increases aerobic capacity & VO2 max — sodium phosphate loading has repeatedly raised maximal oxygen uptake in trained runners and cyclists
- Verhoogt piekvermogen — higher mean power during time-trial efforts in trained cyclists
- Raises your anaerobic threshold — buffering plus phosphate lets you sit closer to your limit for longer
- Verbetert de myocardiale en cardiovasculaire respons bij inspanning — phosphate loading is associated with enhanced cardiac contractility
- Supports ATP & phosphocreatine (PCr) resynthesis — more intramuscular phosphate for faster energy turnover between efforts
- Increases oxygen release to working cells — via elevated red-cell 2,3-DPG, which loosens oxygen from haemoglobin exactly where you need it
- Buffers lactic acid build-up — sodium bicarbonate helps clear hydrogen ions from muscle in the closing stages of hard efforts
- Super-antioxidant natural R-ALA — the bioactive “R” form, not the cheaper racemic mix
- Vasodilation & cell-protective polyphenols — 95% grape seed proanthocyanidins support blood flow and shield against overtraining free radicals
- Built for HIIT and endurance training blocks — not just race day; use it to lift the quality of your hardest sessions
How a VO2 max supplement actually works: the 4 pillars
VO2 max — the maximum rate at which your body can take in, transport and use oxygen — is set by how much oxygen your heart pumps, how much your blood releases to muscle, and how efficiently your mitochondria turn it into ATP. Race Max Pro targets each link in that chain.
Oxygen release
Sodium phosphate raises red-blood-cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), shifting the oxygen-haemoglobin curve so more O₂ is unloaded in working muscle.
Acid buffering
Sodium bicarbonate raises blood buffering capacity, pulling hydrogen ions out of muscle so contraction and energy production continue when it hurts most.
Cellular energy
Phosphate feeds ATP and phosphocreatine resynthesis; R-ALA is a cofactor for the mitochondrial enzymes that burn fuel with oxygen.
Blood flow & protection
Grape seed proanthocyanidins support nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilation while both antioxidants neutralise the reactive oxygen species of maximal exertion.
Inside Race Max Pro: every ingredient, in full
1. Sodium Phosphate Tribasic — the endurance salt that raises VO2 max
900 mg per 3 Vcaps · 2,700 mg per daily protocol (3 servings)
Sodium phosphate is arguably the most under-used legal ergogenic aid in endurance sport. Unlike caffeine or carbohydrate, it does not give you energy — it changes your physiology. Loading sodium phosphate for several days increases red-blood-cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), the molecule that tells haemoglobin to release oxygen. More 2,3-DPG means more oxygen offloaded in the muscles that are working, which is exactly what maximal oxygen uptake measures. Phosphate is also a direct substrate for ATP and phosphocreatine, improves the body’s buffering of hydrogen ions, and has been associated with stronger myocardial contractility.
What the research shows
Across the literature, improvements in maximal aerobic capacity of 3.5–12% have been reported after sodium phosphate loading. The protocols that work use 3–4 g per day, split across the day, for several consecutive days — which is why Race Max Pro provides 2.7 g daily across three servings, with the loading window extended to 19 days to accommodate the lower-dose, longer-duration maintenance approach shown to hold VO2 max above baseline.
2. Sodium Bicarbonate — more oxygen into your cells, less acid holding you back
900 mg per 3 Vcaps · 2,700 mg per daily protocol (3 servings)
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is a mildly alkaline salt of sodium and bicarbonate ions. In sport it is one of the five supplements the International Olympic Committee recognises as having good evidence for performance enhancement. Its job in Race Max Pro is to increase the blood’s buffering capacity so that hydrogen ions produced during hard exercise can be moved out of muscle cells and neutralised.
Why pH decides your finish
In chemistry, pH grades how acidic or alkaline a solution is: 7.0 is neutral, lower is acidic, higher is alkaline. Your blood sits around 7.4 and your muscle cells around 7.0, and you perform best when they stay there. High-intensity exercise disrupts that balance. When oxygen demand outstrips supply, muscle switches to the anaerobic pathway, producing lactate and — more importantly — hydrogen ions that push muscle pH below its optimum. That acidity impairs energy production and the muscle’s ability to contract. The result is the fatigue you feel in the final kilometres, the last interval, the closing 500 m.
How bicarbonate helps maintain pH
Sodium bicarbonate has a pH of about 8.4 and raises blood bicarbonate and pH slightly. That gradient allows hydrogen ions to leave the muscle cell and enter the bloodstream, returning muscle pH toward 7.0 so that contraction and energy production can continue. This is the primary mechanism by which bicarbonate helps you go harder, faster or longer.
What the research shows
Bicarbonate is especially useful for efforts of 1–7 minutes using large muscle groups, with most of the gain appearing late in the effort. Individual responses vary with activity type, personal tolerance and training level — which is why Race Max Pro delivers it in divided, meal-timed capsule doses rather than a single large pre-race bolus, and why it pairs it with phosphate’s independent buffering action. Athletes who want full-protocol bicarbonate loading on top can stack SCN™ Bicarb-Lytes¹⁰ Zero.
3. R-Alpha Lipoic Acid — the universal antioxidant your mitochondria run on
75 mg sodium R-alpha lipoic acid (67.5 mg R-ALA) per 3 Vcaps · 225 mg (202.5 mg R-ALA) per daily protocol
R-lipoic acid (thioctic acid) is a disulfide compound te vinden in elke cel van het lichaam, where it is an essential cofactor for the mitochondrial enzyme complexes (pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) that convert carbohydrate and fat into ATP in the presence of oxygen. It is called the “universal antioxidant” because it is active in both water and fat compartments, inside and outside the cell. Race Max Pro uses only the natural R-enantiomer — the form your body makes and recognises — not the 50/50 racemic blend common in cheaper products.
What R-ALA does for an athlete
- Powerful antioxidant inside and outside cells — directly scavenges several reactive oxygen species generated during maximal exertion
- Regenerates other antioxidants — recycles both fat-soluble (vitamin E) and water-soluble (vitamin C, glutathione) antioxidants back to their active form
- Improves sugar and fat metabolism — supports glucose uptake into muscle and efficient fuel use
- Improves mitochondrial function — a “rejuvenating” effect, protecting mitochondria against the higher ROS they produce under heavy training and with age
- Anti-inflammatory action independent of its antioxidant activity
- Supports muscle recovery after exercise and maintenance of performance across hard training weeks
What the research shows
4. Grape Seed Extract 95% — vasodilation and cell protection from the French Paradox
100 mg grape seed dry extract (95 mg proanthocyanidins) per 3 Vcaps · 300 mg (285 mg proanthocyanidins) per daily protocol
Grape seed extract is one of the richest natural sources of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), polyphenols with potent antioxidant capacity and a well-documented ability to support healthy blood vessel function. Race Max Pro uses an extract standardised to 95% proanthocyanidinen — the concentration used in clinical work, not a loosely defined “grape powder”.
Why it belongs in a VO2 max supplement
Oxygen delivery depends on blood flow. Grape seed proanthocyanidins support endothelial nitric oxide, promoting vasodilation and improved blood flow to working muscle. At the same time, maximal exercise — especially in race week, when tapering athletes are also under competition stress — overproduces reactive oxygen species that damage muscle membranes and blunt recovery. Grape seed OPCs are among the most effective dietary molecules at neutralising them.
Grape seed extract benefits
- Supports blood flow and healthy circulation
- Reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage
- Supports brain health, memory and cognitive sharpness under fatigue
- Supports collagen integrity in blood vessels, tendons and skin
- Supports bone strength
- Protects muscle cells from free-radical damage caused by overtraining
What the research shows
Nutritional information
| Ingrediënt | Per serving (3 Vcaps) | Per daily protocol (3 servings / 9 Vcaps) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Phosphate Tribasic of which sodium |
900 mg 270 mg |
2,700 mg 810 mg |
| Sodium Bicarbonate of which sodium |
900 mg 243 mg |
2,700 mg 729 mg |
| Grape Seed Dry Extract 95% of which proanthocyanidins |
100 mg 95 mg |
300 mg 285 mg |
| Sodium R-Alpha Lipoic Acid of which R-alpha lipoic acid |
75 mg 67.5 mg |
225 mg 202.5 mg |
Pack: 90 vegetable capsules · 30 servings · 10 training-day supply at the full protocol. Vegetarian capsules. No stimulants, no artificial colours. Manufactured under GMP with full doping-free and cross-contamination-safe controls.
How to use Race Max Pro: the race-week loading protocol
1 serving = 3 Vcaps. Take each serving with food. Race Max Pro is a loading product — consistency across the protocol matters more than any single dose.
Loading phase
- 1 serving (3 Vcaps) with the first meal of the day
- 1 serving with the second meal of the day
- 1 serving with your post-training meal
Three boxes cover the full 19-day lead-in; one box covers a 10-day block or your hardest training microcycle.
Race-morning protocol
- 1e portie bij de eerste maaltijd van de dag
- 2nd serving one hour later, with a small meal or snack
- 3rd serving one hour after the 2nd, with a small meal or snack
Finish the last serving at least 60–90 minutes before the start.
Not racing? Use it to train harder
- Run the 10-day protocol into a VO2 max or threshold block
- Repeat loading phases across the season — research suggests repeat cycles can build on the previous one
Tip: if you are new to bicarbonate, trial the protocol in a hard training week before using it for your A-race, and always take capsules with food and water.
Build the SCN™ race-week stack
Race Max Pro primes the engine. These SCN™ products fuel, hydrate and spark it:
Bicarb-Lytes¹⁰ NulFull bicarbonate loading + 10 sports salts
Mitochondrial Activator¹⁷Ubiquinol, NADH & quercetin for cellular energy
Slow Caffeine4-hour release caffeine for the start line
Race Max Pro — frequently asked questions
What is the best VO2 max supplement?
The ingredient with the most direct human evidence for raising maximal oxygen uptake is sodium phosphate, with reported increases of 3.5–12% in trained athletes after several days of loading. Race Max Pro is built around a research-matched 2.7 g/day sodium phosphate dose and adds bicarbonate buffering, R-alpha lipoic acid and grape seed proanthocyanidins to support the other limiters of aerobic performance.
How long before a race should I start Race Max Pro?
Start 19 days before your event at 3 servings per day, then follow the race-day protocol on the morning of the race. If you only have one box, use it for the 10 days leading into your event.
Does Race Max Pro contain caffeine or stimulants?
No. Race Max Pro is completely stimulant-free. It works by changing your physiology over the loading period, not by stimulating your nervous system, so it can be combined with your usual caffeine strategy.
Will the bicarbonate upset my stomach?
Race Max Pro delivers bicarbonate in small, divided, meal-timed capsule doses — far gentler than the single large powder bolus used in many bicarbonate protocols. Most athletes tolerate it well; always take it with food and water, and trial it in training first.
Is Race Max Pro safe for drug-tested athletes?
Yes. All four ingredients are permitted by WADA, and SCN™ manufactures under doping-free and cross-contamination-safe controls.
Can I use it in a training block rather than for a race?
Absolutely. Many athletes run the 10-day protocol into their hardest VO2 max or threshold blocks to raise the quality of key sessions, and research suggests repeated loading phases across a season can build on each other.
Who should not take Race Max Pro?
Each daily protocol provides about 1.5 g of sodium. If you follow a sodium-restricted diet, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, consult your doctor before use. Not intended for children.
Scientific references
- Cade R, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and maximal oxygen uptake. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1984;16(3):263-268.
- Kreider RB, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, and run performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;22(2):250-256.
- Kreider RB, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on metabolic and myocardial responses to maximal and endurance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr. 1992;2(1):20-47.
- Stewart I, et al. Phosphate loading and the effects on VO2max in trained cyclists. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1990;61(1):80-84.
- Folland JP, Stern R, Brickley G. Sodium phosphate loading improves laboratory cycling time-trial performance in trained cyclists. J Sci Med Sport. 2008;11(5):464-468.
- Czuba M, et al. The influence of sodium phosphate supplementation on VO2max, serum 2,3-diphosphoglycerate level and heart rate in off-road cyclists. J Hum Kinet. 2008;19:149-164.
- Brewer CP, Dawson B, Wallman KE, Guelfi KJ. Effect of repeated sodium phosphate loading on cycling time-trial performance and VO2peak. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013;23(2):187-194.
- Grgic J, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: sodium bicarbonate and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18:61.
- Carr AJ, Hopkins WG, Gore CJ. Effects of acute alkalosis and acidosis on performance: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2011;41(10):801-814.
- Hobson RM, et al. Effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on 2000-m rowing performance. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2014;9(1):139-144.
- Edge J, Bishop D, Goodman C. Effects of chronic NaHCO3 ingestion during interval training on changes to muscle buffer capacity, metabolism, and short-term endurance performance. J Appl Physiol. 2006;101(3):918-925.
- Zembron-Lacny A, et al. Assessment of the antioxidant effectiveness of α-lipoic acid in healthy men exposed to muscle-damaging exercise. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009;60(2):139-143.
- Morawin B, et al. The combination of α-lipoic acid intake with eccentric exercise modulates erythropoietin release. Biol Sport. 2014;31(3):179-185.
- Isenmann E, Trittel L, Diel P. The effects of alpha lipoic acid on muscle strength recovery after a single and a short-term chronic supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020;17:61.
- Lafay S, et al. Grape extract improves antioxidant status and physical performance in elite male athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2009;8(3):468-480.
- Skarpańska-Stejnborn A, et al. The influence of supplementation with grape-derived product on antioxidant status in rowers. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010;20(5):350-357.
Food supplement. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children. This website is for your education and general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.
