"Experiencing the significantly unglamorous aspect of gravel racing: the initial encounter with urinating in bibs for the sake of speed"
Riding in Wet Cycling Shorts: A Rite of Passage in Women's Gravel Racing
Remembering the first time you needed to relieve yourself mid-race while wearing cycling shorts can be an unforgettable experience, especially for women in the world of gravel racing. In an interview, pro cyclist, Sarah Horner, recounted her early experiences in the sport.
"Everybody my age pees their pants, it's the coolest," Horner quotes Billy Madison. As an adult racer, she never imagined this would be part of her job description. Yet, she has found herself faced with the reality in numerous off-road races, particularly in gravel events.
While hard data on when this practice started among competitive cyclists is difficult to find, it seems to be a longstanding, informal tradition within the endurance and off-road racing communities. Gravel racing, which has grown significantly since the early 2010s, shares many endurance characteristics with mountain biking, where such circumstances are common.
Horner's first experience with gravel racing came in 2019, at the Battle of the Streets (BWR) San Diego. With no prior gravel racing experience, she entered the event on a Specialized Roubaix bike, armed with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and potato chips for electrolytes. Without a support crew, nutrition plan, or head unit, Horner raced for 140 miles, relying solely on athleticism, unwavering competitiveness, and the excitement of the unknown.
During The Leadville 100 later that year, Horner recallingly raced against Rose Grant, repeatedly passing each other on the iconic Columbine climb. Each time one rider had to stop to relieve themselves, the other continued, turning the race into a strange yet memorable moment in the history of women's gravel racing.
The growth of gravel racing has been accelerated in the women's field, as separate starts and races have become more common. The competition has become faster, with cyclists pushing the boundaries of endurance and racing technology.
Contestants have taken advantage of evolving rulebooks by using inventive strategies, such as high-carb diets and skinsuits designed to hold hydration bladders. As a result, off-road races have become a strange amalgamation of road, mountain biking, and triathlon elements.
Before engaging in gravel racing, prospective athletes should prepare themselves for unusual requirements:
- Riders may have to use the bathroom in their cycling shorts, a mantra often being, "In the top 3, you've gotta pee." In less race-critical moments, deciding to relieve oneself becomes a game-time decision.
- A carb-heavy diet, rich in plain, beige foods, becomes a necessity for competitors, both unsettling and essential for success. Skipping fat, fiber, and desserts is common practice during the days leading up to a big race.
- Riders rely heavily on energy gels for fuel, causing the sticky little packets to adhere to every surface, from jerseys to shifters. Careful placement is crucial to avoid littering or inconvenient leaks.
- Chain maintenance becomes an art form, requiring regular waxing. Investing in high-quality chain wax and tools can be a great conversation starter with fellow racers.
- Water may be flavored with additional sugar for endurance, creating a sticky, sugary coating on bikes and legs. The extra hydration, along with the occasional need to urinate, can help wash off some of the mess.
- Muddy races pose a risk of contracting Giardia, as puddles often contain cow manure. Proper hygiene practices, such as spraying and praying before drinking from bottles, are essential to avoid contamination.
As gravel racing evolves, competitors adapt their routines and equipment to maximize performance in these extreme, off-road races. For those considering entering the sport, remember that "gravel racers are a unique breed." Competing in these events demands a level of mental fortitude and physical endurance that appeals to a specific type of athlete. So, before the biggest off-road race in the world, be sure to give your bike a thorough washing before someone else helps you with it.
- In the world of gravel racing, where endurance and off-road conditions are common, a longstanding, informal tradition among cyclists is to relieve oneself in their cycling shorts during races, as it was experienced by pro cyclist Sarah Horner.
- Gravel racing, particularly due to its endurance characteristics, demands unusual requirements from athletes, one of which is the necessity of a carb-heavy diet, often consisting of plain, beige foods, as endorsed by Sarah Horner who once quoted Billy Madison, "Everybody my age pees their pants, it's the coolest."
