Mountain biking is an intense sport that demands both body and mind. However, it is not just the physical exertion that presents mountain bikers with challenges. There are topics that are taboo for many and often remain unspoken, but can be crucial for well-being and performance. In this article, we explore some of these sensitive topics and take a look at how to deal with them.
The female cycle
For many female athletes, menstruation is a natural but often debated part of everyday training. The physical changes that occur during the menstrual cycle can have an impact on performance and well-being.
Individual adjustments to the training plan and open communication with trainers or training partners can be helpful here. Choosing the right equipment, such as breathable, comfortable clothing and suitable hygiene products, is also important to ensure comfort.
Pregnant cycling
The combination of pregnancy and cycling is still a sensitive topic for many women (and men too). As the baby bump grows, concerns often arise: Is cycling still safe, perhaps even recommended, or is it better to avoid it during pregnancy? We asked gynaecologist Dr Maja Heinrigs from Munich for her advice.
Skin problems
Constant friction and pressure, which often occur when cycling, can lead to skin problems such as boils. These painful inflammations are not only unpleasant, but can also impair performance. The right saddle, suitable functional clothing and good hygiene are decisive factors in preventing such problems. Special ointments and timely treatment can also help to speed up recovery.
Problems with digestion
An underestimated challenge: Digestive problems are another taboo subject in sport that is often ignored. Intense physical activity can affect digestion and lead to complaints such as bloating or diarrhoea.
A balanced diet that is tailored to individual needs and avoiding hard-to-digest foods before training can help. It sounds almost banal, but sufficient fluid intake is just as essential to support digestion and maintain performance.
Tingling numbness
If you feel tingling in your hands, feet or genital area when cycling, at best this is just an unpleasant irritation, at worst it can be a harbinger of nerve damage or circulatory problems.
We explain how you can avoid numbness from the outset. This phenomenon is quite common among mountain bikers, affecting between 50 and 91 per cent of men and just over 47 per cent of women, depending on the study.
Signals from the body
When cycling, our body sends out various signals, some of which are part of normal exertion, while others are genuine warning signs. Especially those who have only spent a short time in the saddle find it difficult to correctly recognise these warning signals.
Some of these are more unpleasant, but do not cause serious problems either now or in the long term. Others are more gradual and inconspicuous, but can be signs of incorrect or excessive exertion on the bike. How should you react to each signal from your body? Here we have put together a short instruction manual for your own body.
Attention overtraining
Most cyclists have probably heard of overtraining, but many think: "It won't happen to me." However, cyclists with an intensive training plan should not ignore the issue. It is crucial to recognise the signs of overtraining and to know how to react in order to avoid a long-term drop in performance.
Structured training normally aims to increase fitness. But sometimes the opposite effect occurs: If athletes overexert themselves, rest insufficiently or do not absorb enough energy, overtraining can occur. If you don't slow down in time, you run the risk of overtraining syndrome or RED-S in the worst case.
Oral hygiene
Healthy teeth are more important for athletes than you might think. Dental problems can act as a constant source of inflammation and affect overall performance. Regular visits to the dentist and thorough dental care are essential to maintain good oral health. In this interview, the expert explains why many cyclists have bad teeth and what they can do about it.
Cheat Meals
After an intensive training session or a long mountain bike tour, temptations such as sweets, fast food and a cold beer are tempting. But what effect do they have on recovery and performance?
High-sugar snacks and fast food provide the quick energy that the body craves after sport. However, they lack essential nutrients that are important for recovery. Alcohol, even if it is often seen as a relaxing reward, can also impair recovery.
Only a conscious approach to these stimulants can help to ensure long-term performance and support the training goal.
Illness & Depression
Dealing with depression is a real taboo subject - unfortunately still and not just in sport. Fortunately, more and more well-known personalities are coming out in public to raise awareness of mental illness and how to deal with it.
This also applies to the MUT-TOUR 2025, which leads across Germany in 15 stages. Over 4100 kilometres, people with and without experience of depression are campaigning against the stigmatisation of the illness. Under the motto "Self-help on the move", the focus is on activity and open dialogue. The website provides information and help for those affected.
Marc Strucken
Editor
