Why do proffesional cycle racers shave their legs?

[Cyclopathic]

What is that all about. I heard that they do it to lessen drag but I find it hard to beleive that there is any evidence that it can make any noticeable or measurable difference. Is it just a sort of customary thing now that they do without knowing exactly why because I certainly don't. So can anybody out there give me a plausible reason why this bizare practice continues. It's not right I tell you.

 

[MontyVeda]

it's coz they like to drag up at the weekends

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

it's coz they like to drag up at the weekends

Joking apart, I believe they do it because when they fall off it is much easier to clean the wound and it heals better if there are no hairs stuck in it.

 

[Dayvo]

Less of an issue when they fall and graze their legs: no hair to be torn from flesh.

Helps with the massaging of legs after a day's racing by the teams' masseuses.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Rule 33

 

[Dayvo]

 

[Peteaud]

 

[youngoldbloke]

It's an aesthetic thing - It simply looks better. All of the above + easier to massage in the Ellimans, and less painful when the sticking plaster is pulled off.

 

[Dayvo]

 

[steveindenmark]

It is to cut down on wind resistance.

Especially for the Greek womens national team.

Steve

 

[lulubel]

Well, that put me off my hot cross bun.

 

[biggs682]

those pics have made my bum quiver

 

[Pat "5mph"]

So can anybody out there give me a plausible reason why this bizare practice continues. It's not right I tell you.

depilation discrimination???

 

[roirizla]

Wondered the same untill I fell and the wound wouldn't dry or stop wheeping due to leg hair always moving around and scraping against trousers, then I shaved around the wound and boom! Healed & dried up like a prune.

 

[Sittingduck]

Is that your nose, Dayvo?