Why Nasal Strips Are a Vital Part of Cyclist's Equipment
In the world of professional cycling, gear extends beyond helmets and sunglasses to include a surprising accessory: nasal strips. These small adhesive strips, often seen on the noses of riders, serve a dual purpose—enhancing breathing during intense rides and promoting restful sleep. As cyclists prepare for events like the Pune Grand Tour, applying these strips has become a routine part of their pre-race rituals, highlighting their importance in the sport.
The Dual Benefits: Breathing and Sleep
Enzo Fuentes of the Pro Cycling Team shares that adopting nasal strips resolved two significant issues for him: proper breathing while cycling and disrupted sleep. He explains that the strips help clear nasal pathways and regulate airflow, which is crucial for performance. Interestingly, his teammates from Andorra teased him about using the strips to combat snoring, but Fuentes emphasizes their functional role in optimizing respiratory efficiency.
"I started using them two years ago after joining the Pro Cycling team. It's also to ensure I'm breathing right when I sleep," says Fuentes, underscoring how these strips support both athletic and recovery phases.
Widespread Adoption Among Cycling Teams
Nasal strips have gained prominence not just in cycling but across various sports, yet their prevalence among road cyclists is notably high. Teams from Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium often travel with boxes of these strips, applying them to the mid-bridge of the nose. Known to ease nasal muscles and reduce breathing resistance, they are considered as integral to a cyclist's gear as protective helmets or performance-enhancing sunglasses.
Malaysian teams also utilize these stick-ons, which resemble blackhead removal strips, further cementing their status in the cycling community. Top teams like Burgos have even transitioned to translucent or skin-colored variants that are less visible, blending seamlessly with the rider's appearance while maintaining functionality.
How Nasal Strips Work
A physiotherapist explains that nasal strips feature springy edges that gently pull the upper curves of the nostrils apart. This action helps widen the nasal passages, reducing airflow resistance and facilitating easier breathing. Accurate placement of the strips is crucial, making it a skill that cyclists refine as part of their overall preparation and finery.
The Safety Pin Superstition in Cycling
Beyond nasal strips, cyclists on the Pro Tour adhere to unique rituals, such as the meditative practice of attaching bibs to back jersey pockets with safety pins. Dylan Hopkins, an Australian rider for Team Roojai, recalls an embarrassing incident early in his career where loose bibs flapped wildly at the start of a race.
"It affects riding of course in winds, but I decided I'd never look stupid again. From then onwards, I make it a point to sit calmly each race morning and pin the bibs properly. It's almost a superstition that shabby bibs will lead to a bad race," he says, detailing his meticulous routine of using three pins on the top and sides to secure everything in place.
This superstition reflects the psychological aspects of cycling, where small rituals can boost confidence and focus before competitions.
Conclusion
Nasal strips have evolved from a niche accessory to a standard component in a cyclist's toolkit, valued for their ability to improve breathing efficiency and sleep quality. As professional teams continue to embrace them, these strips exemplify how attention to detail in gear and routines can enhance performance and well-being in the demanding sport of cycling.
