Can you imagine hurtling down a mountain at 80 km/h in a blizzard? Believe it or not, for pro cyclists, this might just be another “day at the office.”
But how do they know when to quit? And how do they fend off the cold while riding?
If you’re anything like me (and most other cyclists), you probably retreat to the indoor trainer when the temps drop below a certain level! However, the pro peloton is a lot more likely to push through conditions that would stop most amateurs from continuing to ride. This can be in training, at altitude camp… or yes, even in a race!
How do they do it? From newly-engineered textiles that stay warmer longer, tactical plans to mitigate cold conditions, and good old-fashion “grit” … here are a few of the ways the pros combat the cold. Plus, learn how you can use their strategies, too!
Certain pro races have historically had cold weather.
Did you know that cycling history is littered “snow days?” In fact, many of these are more than just memories, and are sort of legends in the current sport. When raging snow comes down on the peloton, it’s no surprise that it amps up the endurance factor of the race, and makes it that much more difficult to pull off the win… or just make it to the finish line!
Which races are well-known for snow and ice conditions?
- 1980 Liège-Bastogne-Liège: This is possibly the most famous “snow and ice” race in history. A massive snowstorm hit the peloton racing through the Belgian Ardennes, and out of 174 starters, only 21 finished. Who manages to pull off the win? None other than the legendary Bernard Hinault, and he won by nearly ten minutes. The cost of his victory was high, as he suffered frostbite on his hands that resulted in some permanent nerve damage on two of his fingers.
- 1988 Giro d’Italia: Some of the scenes from this Grand Tour might have looked more like the Arctic than Italy! Notable was the stage which traversed the Passo Il Gavin… an American rider, Andy Hampsten, attacked in a blizzard on this unpaved stretch, resulting in the win. Other riders were seen stopping at the summit to pour hot water or even hot tea on their freezing hands just so they could get a better grip on the handlebars before the descent!
- 2013 Milano Sanremo: MSR has been called the “Race to the Sun,” but not every edition of this race is so pleasant! In 2013, heavy snow forced organizers to neutralize the race part way. Riders loaded onto their team buses, skipping the snow-clogged Turchino pass before restarting. Riders were shivering, wrapped up in emergency blankets, and some of these photos are floating around today as memories of one of the chilliest days on the bike in the modern era.
- 2024 Flèche Wallonne: So far, climate change hasn’t put an end to wintry racing. This 2024 edition saw a sudden “Arctic blast” that really dealt damage to the peloton. Mattias Skjelmose had to be literally carried off his bike while shaking uncontrollably from the onset of hypothermia. He isn’t as resilient against the cold as some of his teammates… more on that later.
So while wintry conditions aren’t super common on race days, they still pop up from time to time. And knowing how to mitigate these weather events is just as important for teams and riders as knowing how to avoid the heat.
Embed from Getty ImagesDo pro cyclists like racing in the cold?
The peloton is split into two camps: those who embrace the cold and those who likely dread it!
For many, the cold is mostly a mental battle.
Within the sport there is some prestige associated with toughness and fortitude. Being a “hard man” means you don’t complain, don’t wear leg warmers until it’s below freezing, and thrive when everyone else is suffering.
However, scientifically speaking, most pros dislike the cold for a practical reason. It’s simply harder on their bodies!
Cold air is denser, meaning it takes more power to cut through it. And cold muscles are less efficient. When your core temperature drops, your body keeps your internal organs warm. This shunts blood away from extremities like the legs.
This phenomenon is why many riders might describe their legs feeling like wooden blocks in the cold. The fluid in their joints becomes more viscous, and the muscles lose their explosive “snap.”
Some pros can still perform at their best in cold conditions!
While the majority of the peloton suffers, a select group of specialists might see a cold day as an opportunity!
When the weather turns nasty, tactics change. Positioning becomes more important than raw power, and mental strength gives a significant advantage, too.
Which riders are known for performing in the cold and damp?
- Mads Pedersen: This former World Champion is known for his love of bad weather days. His resilience against cold, rainy or even snowy conditions allows him to maintain high level of riding even when his competitors are soaked or freezing!
- Tim Wellens: He’s pulled off some excellent wins in early-season races like the Etoile de Bessèges. A history of winning in torrential rain and freezing temperatures marks Wellens as one to watch on a cold day.
- Kasia Niewiadoma: In the women’s peloton, Niewiadoma is among the grittier riders! She stages attacks even when the weather is nasty. For her, this can be a significant advantage over her rivals.
For these riders, cold weather removes the fair-weather favorites from the equation. It’s almost like a reduced bunch sprint: the challenge leaves only those with the mental fortitude to keep going in the cold. That’s something they’ve learned to use to their advantage, a unique form of socialization.
Choosing warm gear to contend with the cold air or wind chill.
Modern technology and kit options have overhauled how pros can survive the cold weather days.
In the past, riders relied on heavy wool that became waterlogged and saggy. Today, a focus about layering and aerodynamics takes. more nuanced and proactive approach.
Neoprene gloves and overshoes are a modern favorite, taken from the world of diving. The neoprene traps a thin layer of moisture against the skin, which is then warmed by the body heat. Even if your hands get wet, they can stay warm.
Embrocation, sometimes referred to cheekily as “Belgian Knee Warmers,” is a warming cream. It usually contains capsaicin… the stuff that makes chili peppers hot! When rubbed onto the legs, it creates a barrier against water and stimulates blood flow. It’s another tool in the arsenal for making the legs feel warm even in the snow.
A classic low-tech move? Before a long mountain descent, riders will grab a newspaper from a spectator and stuff it down the front of their jersey! It acts as a surprisingly effective windbreaker for the chest.
Don’t believe it? Check out the video below from the 2025 Tour de France!:
How do pro cyclists stay upright on ice or snow?
Riding a bike with 25mm-wide tires on ice is a high-speed balancing act!
But don’t worry. Pros use several technical tweaks to find grip where there shouldn’t be any.
The first is tire pressure. Normally, pros might run 80–100 psi. In icy or wet conditions, though, they may drop this to 50–60 psi. The goal is to increase the contact patch of the tire on the road.
Disc brakes can also make a difference. Unlike old rim brakes, which required a full wheel rotation to “wipe” the water off before they started gripping, disc brakes provide instant, consistent stopping power in the wet and cold.
The golden rule for riding on slippery surfaces: no sudden movements. As such, the pros avoid leaning their bikes aggressively in corners. Instead, they keep the bikes more upright and use their body weight to steer. This avoids any lateral force that could cause the tires to slide out.
And don’t forget about the role of weight distribution! On slippery climbs, riders stay seated more often to keep weight over the rear wheel. This might prevent it from spinning out on patches of slush or ice.
Are cycling races ever canceled for snowy weather?
Cycling is a sport of tradition. For decades, the rule was that the race must go on no matter what!
However, after several dangerous incidents, the UCI (cycling’s governing body) introduced the Extreme Weather Protocol in 2016.
In cycling, there is no specific temperature or condition that triggers a race cancellation.
Instead, the protocol requires a meeting between race organizers, teams, and riders if “extreme conditions” are expected. Factors that might lead to cancellation or a change to the parcours include freezing rain, snow accumulation, or wind chill.
Before you cast doubt on whether these factors merit cancellation, think again!
Ice is obviously the most dangerous. But snow accumulation on the road can also prevent team cars or ambulances from passing. And wind chill that brings the perceived temperature into the danger zone for frostbite.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat we can learn from the pros about contending with the cold.
You definitely don’t need a WorldTour contract to brave the winter, but you can certainly steal the pro playbook.
To stay warm on your ride, focus on both your core temperature and extremities. Invest in a high-quality windproof jacket. That’s your most important barrier against cold wind! Remember that wind chill makes the weather feel colder than it actually is.
If you want to keep your core extra warm, stash an emergency layer like a gilet in your pocket as well. If you have to stop for a flat tire or a mechanical, your body temperature will plummet rapidly, and that extra layer could be a lifesaver.
As for your bike, you want to maximize safety. Don’t forget this pro secret: to lower your tire pressure by 10–15 psi during cold times. This will give you better grip if the roads turn slippery.
Are you ready to face a snowstorm on the bike?
Maybe after reading this article, you aren’t convinced about going out into the cold for a ride. But the pros have to do it, because the early season won’t wait!
Luckily they have a bunch of tools at their disposal. And technology keeps moving forward with new ways to stay warm. Still, a newspaper or piece of cardboard in the jersey seems like a solid option when a sudden cold wind blows…
And don’t forget the riders who thrive in the cold! So not everyone is suffering. Do you want to build up your own “hard man” reputation at the local group ride? Then you’re going to have to make like Mads Pedersen, and face the winter head-on!
Embed from Getty ImagesDo you ride in the coldest time of the year? Or do you put the bike away until spring? Let us know in the comments or on social media! ★
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