Hot and dry

Everybody’s favourite riding conditions! There’s nothing better than heading out on a summer’s day with an open road ahead and good company to share the road with. However, there are a few factors to consider when kitting up for a ride in the sun.

Lightweight, technical fabrics are designed to wick sweat away from your skin as you perspire in the heat. Although a base layer may not be the first thing that springs to mind on a blazing day, it’s often this first layer that you put on that is the most effective at drawing the moisture away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable.

Choosing the right jersey needs some careful consideration. The very light, almost transparent garments, can work perfectly on their own on the hottest of days or when teamed up with a thin base layer. One thing to look out for though is the strength of the pockets to ensure they don’t sag when loaded up with food and essentials. Check the UV rating on all summer garments to ensure that they offer adequate protection agains harmful rays. Even the pros can overlook this, as was the case with Chris Froome earlier in the year when he got horrifically sunburnt after wearing a super lightweight team jersey.

Arm warmers are another cyclist ‘must have’ item and in some cases they’re called ‘arm screens’ when made of a thinner fabric using Coldblack™ technology. Standard arm warmers can be as equally effective when you want to block the sun from your skin and come in especially handy for long descents or shady sections of the ride.

Don’t overlook your hands and feet either. A pair of mitts will help you keep good grip on the bars as you sweat and offer a mop for your brow, while lightweight socks will keep your feet drier and more comfortable when the heat really does start to soar.