Chef Feker to feed thousands of athletes in Milw. for USA Triathlon

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Il Mito's Chef Michael Feker is catering an entire weekend of meals for 4,400 athletes visiting Milwaukee for the USA Triathlon. Weeks of preparation and days of cooking around the clock are all leading up to a big weekend for the racers.

"It's a natural high that I love. I love anything that has to do with food," says Chef Feker.

This is the first time the two days of races will be held in Milwaukee.

"This is a great city, it's a revived city, it's got a lot of opportunities that we'll be able to take advantage of that we can't do in other locations," says USA Triathlon Chief Operating Officer Tim Yount.

Chef Feker and his team of cooks began preparing what they can early this week.

"You leave the things that don't have that much of a shelf life to the last-minute. For example the lettuce, the tomato, and everything that is going to be shaved and cut last-minute," says Chef Feker.

The most important part of Chef Feker's role, he notes, is providing the athletes with the proper diet. He will be focusing on wraps filled with everything the body needs.

"They need protein to rejuvenate the muscles. There's some fresh cooked chicken in there, there's some pork loin that has been slow roasted and shaved in there," says Chef Feker.

There are also carbohydrates to fuel the body, as well as cabbage, which works as an anti-inflammatory. Chef Feker will also serve fresh fruit before each triathlon, hoping to give the racers an extra boost.

"The body takes the natural sugar that is reserved and turns it into energy instantly. That's the only thing that turns into energy instantly without tremendous amount of digestion,' says Chef Feker.

Chef Feker's cooking marathon will continue through Sunday night.

The races on Saturday and Sunday will begin at 7:30 a.m. and run through the early afternoon hours. Portions of 794 and Lincoln Memorial Dr. will be closed during the race.