How the BORA-hansgrohe cycling pros keep fit

Staying fit all year-round is the name of the game – not just in cycling

Being at the peak of your mental and physical fitness is vital in professional sport. Yet world-class cyclists have added challenges to overcome. The riders are constantly exposed to extreme external factors, such as unpleasant weather conditions during training or the many hours spent jetting off to race locations, public transport or varying hygiene standards in the countries hosting major cycling events. And there’s also the fact that cyclists push themselves to the limits of the physically possible on a daily basis. This places significant strain on the mind and body.

‘Recovery’ is the magic word

If professional athletes get sick, they find it impossible to maintain their peak fitness and achieve the necessary results for the team – a catastrophe in elite sports. The BORA-hansgrohe cyclists have therefore made extensive expert knowledge in recovery and health protection a core part of their team philosophy and have called on the title sponsor to share its showering know-how. After the race, the exhausted team members can use hansgrohe spa showers as part of their cool-down routine.

But it’s not just the cycling pros who need to be at the top of their game – we all do, every day, in often challenging circumstances. Why not make your shower a feel-good fitness partner to boost vitality? Whether after a workout or a day at work, a showering routine that alternates between hot and cold water can work wonders when it comes to recovery.

Hot and cold showers: the perfect way to start the day 

Contrast showers can have a number of positive impacts, as the stimulation of the hot and cold water causes blood vessels to expand and contract. Health experts claim this has an indirect effect on the metabolism, circulation, internal body temperature, heart and mood. Admittedly, you do need to brace yourself for the cold part. But your whole body will be left feeling focused and alert – an amazing sensation. If you’re not yet used to cold showers, even lukewarm water (around 19 to 23 degrees Celsius) can have a positive effect.

Taking a contrast shower: How does it work?

• Start with a nice warm or hot shower. But please don’t have it higher than 43 degrees Celsius.
• Then turn the hand shower to cold and switch to a powerful jet. 
• Start with the feet, preferably the outer side of the right foot – the body part furthest from your heart.
• Guide the hand shower up the outer side of your body to your right hip.
• Then move the shower slowly from your inner right thigh back down to your foot.
• Now repeat this process with your left leg.
• On your arms, start on the back of your right hand and move the shower slowly up to your shoulders. Start with the outer side, then the inner.
• Repeat this whole process on the left arm.
• Finish the hot and cold contrast shower with cold water.
• Important: You must warm up your body immediately after showering. Dry yourself off properly and wrap yourself in a large, warm towel. Then embrace the feel-good sensation!

Strong team, healthy alliance

hansgrohe has been an official title sponsor of the BORA-hansgrohe professional cycling team since 2017. hansgrohe is proud to play a role in the success of this German team, especially as BORA-hansgrohe reflects the values that represent our company: innovation, team spirit, flexibility and ambition, along with deep mutual respect.