Here’s how to treat saddles sores and stop them ruining your race
Saddle sores are a common injury for triathletes to suffer. Spending lots of time doing hard physical exercise in an unnatural position on a small seat means that it’s hardly a surprise that our thighs and derrieres have endured the discomfort it brings.
It’s considered a beginners’ ailment, but can affect experienced riders if they have changed their apparel, saddle or bike. Saddle soreness includes chafing, from constant rubbing; boils, from a lack of hygiene; inflammation of the thighs and buttocks; and skin ulceration, where chafing causes lesions in the skin.
Four Ways To Stop Saddle Sores
- Invest in a decent saddle. There are no shortcuts here – you will get what you pay for. Take advice from an expert, make sure it fits your own shape, and remember the lightest isn’t necessarily the best.
- Check your saddle’s position. If the saddle is too high then you will be moving side-to-side with every single pedal stroke, which will cause discomfort. Setting it too low is equally problematic.
- Pick a high-quality chamois. This is your saddle’s first point of contact with your skin, so is critically important. The more expensive the better – what’s the point buying a top saddle and scrimping on the chamois?
- Stay hygienic. Make sure you get out of your sweaty cycling shorts as soon as you finish your session. Never wear them twice without washing them – they are a breeding ground for bacteria.
Find out more about the best way to treat triathlon injuries