How to Bike Race in Cold Weather
Many races take place at high elevation, early in the morning, or during the colder months of the year. These tips should help get you to the finish warmly and safely.
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Things You'll Need
- Bike Shorts
- Biking Arm Warmers
- Biking Leg Warmers
- Bike Helmet Covers
- Bike Shoes
- Bikes
- Biking Gloves
- Cycling Tights
- Long-sleeved Bike Jerseys
Instructions
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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Start drinking water or a sports drink well before the race, and keep drinking during and after the race. Breathing cold air and physical exertion dehydrate the body very quickly.
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Remember that even if you are a little cold at the start line, you will warm up when you start to race. Don't overdress.
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Wear a skull cap, balaclava or thin hat under your helmet to retain body warmth.
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Use gloves made of wind-blocking fabric to keep your hands warm. In extreme cold, wear glove liners and warmer outer gloves.
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Wear an insulating sock liner and warmer outer sock. For additional warmth and wind protection, cover your shoes with neoprene booties.
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Wear clothes in layers, starting with a base layer that will wick sweat away from your body, and finish with an outer layer that is windproof and breathable.
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If it is only chilly out and is going to warm up, wear layers that are easy to remove. Arm warmers and leg warmers, which are just sleeves and pant legs, work well and are easy to take off or roll down.
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Wear a light jacket or windbreaker while waiting at the start line, and remove it just before you start.
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As soon as the race is over, change into warmer clothes or wrap yourself in a blanket.
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Eat hot food after the race to restore sugar and electrolyte levels. Soup and other warm fluids warm the body from the inside.
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Experiment with different layers and types of clothes when you train or ride in the cold. Racing is not the time to try something new.
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Be prepared to deal with cold weather complications caused by your bike and the race course. In extreme cold, cables may freeze and ice can form on the course.
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Tips & Warnings
When hydrating, stay away from fluids containing caffeine, which will dehydrate you.
If you can afford a pair of winter riding shoes and summer riding shoes, get the winter ones a size bigger than normal to accommodate layered socks.
Some cycling clothes are windproof in the front and breathable on the back, allowing you to block the wind but still evaporate sweat.
If you have trouble finding the right cycling clothing, check out cross-country ski wear. Aside from padded shorts/tights, many of the features are similar.
In addition to all of the fantastic synthetic materials out there that warm, wick moisture and insulate, wool is a great fabric as well.
Road races are very strict about racers' uniforms and many items mentioned above need to be checked against the race organizer's rules to avoid potential disqualification.
Bicycle racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
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Comments
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Jan 25, 2006
Don't expect speeds in cold weather to be as fast as in warm weather. There is 7% more drag at 40F than at 85F, all other factors equal. It's all about air density. Now add the extra frontal area and drag from wearing winter clothes and the drag increases further still. Cars, motorcycles and jets actually produce more power at lower temperatures, which helps to negate reducing top speeds. But for bicycle racing in cold weather, that is unfortunately, not the case. -
Jan 25, 2006
Don't expect speeds in cold weather to be as fast as in warm weather. There is 7% more drag at 40F than at 85F, all other factors equal. It's all about air density. Now add the extra frontal area and drag from wearing winter clothes and the drag increases further still. Cars, motorcycles and jets actually produce more power at lower temperatures, which helps to negate reducing top speeds. But for bicycle racing in cold weather, that is unfortunately, not the case.
