We Americans cyclists don't take proper care of ourselves. That big ocean between Europe and the United States keeps us from participating in the cycling culture that our continental friends have developed over the past 100 years. An outrageous example: we were still racing track bikes on the road after the Second World War, while the Europeans were using derailleur-equipped bikes. I could go on, but let it suffice to say that, as successful as we Americans are in cycling sport, we are still missing a lot.
A case in point. Even the most casual Italian cyclist rubs down his legs with a warming embrocation before he rides. A good rubdown with a warming cream relaxes the muscles and penetrates the legs to give a deep, warming sensation. The muscles are warmed, and the blood brought to the surface, readying the legs for the task ahead. This is not only a help when riding in cold weather, it is also a valuable assistance in getting started on a ride, when the body is at its most resistant.
A couple of years ago, when I was on one of my Spring cycling trips with Mauro Mondonico, he had run out of his favorite embrocation. He insisted that we keep stopping and checking bike shops until he was again properly equipped. It was not enough that he had his bike, food, water. To be completely prepared, he needed to prepare the most important part of the man/machine combination: his own body. The cycling culture of Italy had taught Mauro to take care of himself the way he cares for his bike.
Larry Theobald, of CycleItalia Cycling Tours, told me a story. He has a favorite inn, run by a very careful, meticulous hotelier. Larry, desiring the best for his customers, wanted to bring his clients to this special place. "Cyclists? They smell of leg rub. They will make my hotel smell!"
Larry assured him that American cyclists do not put smelly cream on their legs. Larry secured his favorite hotel for his clients.
But notice: the hotelier, based on his experience with continental cyclists, knew that bike riders did indeed put warming embrocations on their legs as a matter of course.
Nearly all professional riders make sure that their bodies are ready for racing and training. This includes the essential job of getting their muscles ready for the effort of cycling by massaging in the appropriate embrocation (hot or medium) depending on the weather
In one of my cycling diaries I mentioned that I used warming rubs. I received a lot of inquiries as to where a good rub can be had. Everyone who contacted me was unhappy with what what available.
I think you'll find Record to meet the demands of our sport. Record Embrocations are made by Panzera Pharmaceuticals of Milan, Italy. Panzera has been around since 1930. Their embrocatrions have been used by such pro teams as Cofidis, Mercatone Uno and Lampre. They have met the test of both time and competition.
We're here to ride our bikes to feel good. Well, make your self feel a bit better, take better care of yourself. Go for a ride, join the pros and put on a little Record "hot sauce".
Warming Embrocations
Packed in 100 ml tubes or 250 ml tubs, Record makes several heat levels and styles of embrocation for different seasons. For now, we are are importing the embrocations appropriate for the Winter and cold Spring. Later on we'll bring in their special summer and transitional season creams. They are made from very concentrated ingredients, so they can be applied sparingly to get the desired warming effect. After a few uses, you'll find the exact amount to apply.
Pregara (means "Pre-Race"), medium heat
For the widest range of conditions. This is what I use for cold Southern California mornings. RECORD PREGARA has been especially studied to help the warming-up of the athlete's muscles during the winter time at low temperatures. The main characteristic of the ingredients (cream and oils) is to give a very pleasant agreeable warm feeling to the rider's legs. Its modern formulation helps the muscular massage when the athlete desires to start a race already "warm" so as to have a good performance from the beginning of the competition. It gives a medium muscular heat, also with a high muscle penetration.
Pregara Forte (means "Pre-Race Strong"), high heat
RECORD PREGARA "FORTE" is particularly suitable for muscular massage before competitions and training at very cold temperatures. It has the same characteristics of Record Pregara but with much stronger intensive and penetrating effects. With Record Pregara Forte the athlete can start work already warmed. He is able to perform well from the very beginning of the competition. It gives a high muscular heat with deep muscle penetration.
Record Pregara "Impermeabile" (means "Pre-Race, waterproof")
RECORD PREGARA IMPERMEABILE, designed to be used in winter in cold temperatures, helps the warming-up massage when the athlete knows that the sport event will take place in bad weather conditions, such as strong humidity, rain, mud, snow, cold and wind. This cream is quite waterproof. It allows the weather-carried grime to slide away from the massaged areas leaving them reasonably impervious to contacts with cold.
Record Kanadian
Record Kanadian is formulated for Spring or Fall days when the temperature will vary a lot during the ride. Just right for those epic rides when the air is cool in the morning when you start and by the time the ride is over, it's scorching.
Record Dopogara (means "After Race")
RECORD DOPOGARA has been designed to help muscular massage after races (both light training and intense competition) when the leg muscles feel tired, strained and weary. The cream has made according to special modern biodermal principles that allow muscles to relax in very a short period of time. It is also very easily washed off with with normal water. RECORD DOPOGARA gives the leg muscles a refreshing and relaxing feeling that is very pleasant and important for correct recoverery.
Dermalon Chamois Cream
Sometimes technology can work against us. Modern cycling short chamois' are all synthetic. The designers are working night and day to make them extremely hydroscopic, and they have really succeeded. Modern cycling short chamois' wick every bit of moisture away from the surface of the body. But, that also takes away the various oils the body produces to keep the skin healthy. The result is that without a salve either put on the body's surface, or rubbed into the chamois, cycling can become unnecessarily uncomfortable. When the dry skin gets rubbed raw, saddle sores and associated infections can become more likely. Record Dermalon cream has an emollient that is nourishing. It has a strong protective action to help safeguard of the skin from all the annoying troubles and discomforts caused by perspiration, sweat and friction (saddle sufferings, jersey/jacket and bib tight friction, tight shoes, etc.). For the best result and effect, a sufficient quantity of Dermalon cream has to be applied to the areas needing protection (armpits, chest, groin, feet) and also on the cycling garments that are in direct contact with the skin.
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