From dealing with extreme weather and choosing the right equipment to your own health: here is how you can use the knowledge of the pros for your own rides.
Anyone who follows cycling on television or during the grand tours is quickly left in awe. The speeds are extreme, the equipment is state-of-the-art, and the athletes' capacity for suffering seems limitless. Yet behind the scenes of professional races, situations repeatedly arise that also hold valuable lessons for amateur athletes. Whether it is about dealing with sudden changes in the weather, the correct self-assessment in the event of injuries, or selecting the right equipment – the experiences from the professional circus can be transferred surprisingly well to your own everyday cycling.
The fact that even the best-planned events have to surrender to nature was recently demonstrated at the Vuelta a España. The third stage was actually supposed to bring the first tough mountain finish in the Pyrenees. But as media outlets like Velo and Cyclingnews consistently reported, a sudden, severe storm with pea-sized hail and extreme drops in temperature turned the race into chaos within seconds. The pros, led by Tadej Pogačar, sought shelter in buildings, and the race management finally cancelled the stage completely, as the roads were impassable and the descents far too dangerous.
For you as a recreational athlete, this means: do not force anything. If even the best-trained athletes in the world leave their bikes and seek shelter, you too should react immediately in the event of extreme thunderstorms or hailstorms. A sudden drop in temperature in the mountains is life-threatening. Pay attention to warnings and always plan potential shelter options when planning tours in summer.
Another vivid example was provided by the young pro Cian Uijtdebroeks. After a heavy crash on the second stage of the Vuelta, he dragged himself through the following days in great pain and heavily bandaged, until he finally had to give up in tears and completely exhausted. His team Movistar had previously let him continue riding at the Tour de France despite a fever of 40 degrees, which triggered fierce discussions about the duty of care in professional sport.
In recreational sport, there is no reason to take such risks. If your body signals that it can go no further, or if injuries restrict normal movement, the bike belongs in the cellar. Pain and fever are warning signs that must be taken seriously. In the event of persistent complaints or severe crashes, you should always have the injuries professionally assessed instead of biting your lip and pushing through.
You can also learn from the pros when it comes to equipment – especially when it comes to the budget. Specialized, for example, has expanded its Tarmac range and, with the cheaper frame versions made of 10r carbon, offers models that are aerodynamically identical to the extremely expensive S-Works variants of the pros, but cost significantly less. The difference in weight is barely noticeable for amateur athletes in everyday use.
Furthermore, the discussion about electronic shifting systems shows that proven technology is often the stress-free choice. While some manufacturers rely entirely on wireless systems, Shimano partially sticks to a wired connection to the central battery for the Dura-Ace. This may be slightly more complex to set up, but in everyday use it also offers advantages for battery maintenance. For you, this means: you are better off investing your money in reliability and a good fit rather than in the very last gram of weight savings.
Your takeaway: Listen to your body and the weather – even the best pros in the world know when it is time to stop and seek shelter.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.