Training for the Heat

Road Red

Is there anything you can do to train for cycling in the heat?

Having suffered on Ventoux in the high 30's last year, I'd like to avoid it happening again.

Going abroad for training is not an option. In the abscence of warm weather, does layering up with clothes for turbo sessions work? Having a heater in the room?

Thanks

barrybridges

I suffered massively on Ventoux two years ago in the heat as well - I started at 10am but turned back after a few KM as I couldn't take the heat and tried again the following morning but at 6am.

The think for me - I think - is that you should try and be as light as possible since extra weight really saps it out of you. In the heat it's even worse - at least from my personal experience. As a ever-so-slightly above-average build (!) I'm sweating like a pig whenever the road goes uphill. But then again, I sweat lots anyway.

I would recommend wearing an underlayer as that absorbs most of the moisture - I find it more bearable in hot weathers wearing two layers rather than one.

Other than that, head out a week or so early to acclimatise?

phil s

Rub yourself head to toe in embrocation, then hit the turbo for 2hrs in a closed room with no fan. Job done.

ut_och_cykla

get fitter, drop some weight. Extra vitamin c is said to help if taken over a 2 week period and exercising in hot conditions. make sure you can have plenty of water to tip over you and start early on the day. but take it easy . heat stroke/exhaustion is not funny!

lochindaal

I had a similar experience on Ventoux last year with cramping, etc.

I think (hope) I was fit enough I just hadn't taken enough correct fluids on board. This year I am going to start using drinks with electrolyte tablets in the heat to see if I feel better. Last year I used carb drinks + water.

I read in a mag recently that salt loss varies hugely across different people though a good sign if you have a high salt loss is a crusty feeling on your forehaed where it has come out through sweating. I get this on a hard UK ride without the intense heat.

rick_chasey

Lots of water, lots of crisps works for me.

I love the heat though. Tend to suffer a lot less than everyone else in it