My favorite meal before a big race or a long day of cycling has to be steak and eggs. I have had a protein shake before a day of cycling and it made me feel burnt out for some reason. It could be that It wasn't filling enough for me. Or it could be that it was just too early in the morning. I have always tried to go cycling in the early morning hours but I can never seem to wake up in time. Maybe I need to invest in a better alarm clock.