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UCI World Cyclocross Championships 2010 - GB Kitbags
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Right now in Tabor, temperatures are plummeting below -20 centigrade, snow continues to fall and positive figures are a distant memory. That makes choosing the right kit to stay warm in essential, so we asked the British riders what they are doing to keep the cold out - something everyone should have spot on following our recent cold snap.
Jody Crawforth
"Of course being sponsored by an Arctic air conditioning company, I know a thing or two about the cold! Basically I've packed everything I've got - base layers, long sleeve, short sleeve, gilets, thermal windproof jackets, etc. Probably the most important bits of clothing for me for really cold weather is a windtex type jacket, decent hat and a buff to put ‘round your neck.
"When you're racing your body keeps itself warm so long as you're not wearing a man-kini and you've got a decent baselayer on under your skinsuit, but the extremities can feel the cold - and if you've got numb hands changing gear and braking aren't pleasant experiences! Personally my hands don't get too bad usually, but gloves are obviously a big consideration in extreme cold, so I'll be taking gloves that I can wear a thinner glove inside just to be sure. I'll be taking an assortment of socks, and overshoes (probably for training in only, as racing in overshoes can hinder the grip of the sole and move about when running). I'll probably be putting spikes or screws in the rubber of my shoes as well to try and get some grip on the ice so I'm not sliding about like bambi."
Ian Field
"I have not done anything especially for the weather as it's not going to be that exceptional. In Belgium over Christmas is was minus 12 at night and very cold during the day, I carried on training on these days but after two weeks of that weather it became normal to be putting on every item of kit just to go training!
"A good warm up and not getting cold at ANY point during race day is key, if you're worried about being cold during the race it's taking away valuable energy which you should be putting into the bike to make it go faster. I have a few tricks of the trade up my sleeve but they are run of the mill things such as two pairs of thin gloves, plastic bags over your feet under your socks etc. I have got an all in one long sleeve, long leg thermal and waterproof suit made by Schlamm with me but it would have to be exceptional conditions to even think about wearing this during the race as it is that warm!!
"GB have had thermal skinsuits made and along with a quality high neck thermal under vest it should be ok. Schlamm over shoes and socks will do the job on my feet and Specialized 100% neoprene gloves which are thermal lined have always been able to keep my hands warm, even on the mornings in Belgium when it was minus 12. A good Prendas racing cap usually does the job for keeping my head warm but I may have to push the boundaries to a Buff if it's really cold. Final point is warm up balm, plenty of it all over my legs, back and hands."
