Road Cycling - very low tech TdF - newspaper jersey

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bfb2003
07-14-03, 02:58 AM
Do the TdF'ers really put sheets of newspaper down the front of their jerseys before a descent ?

Watching last nights telecast of the riders arriving at the summit of Col du Galibier they really did seem to be putting newspaper down the front of their jerseys.

Presumably so that they didn't lose too much heat on the 40km descent.

Seems very low tech for a modern race !

sch
07-14-03, 05:11 AM
"newspaper" is easy in/out compared with a jacket. A vest might do as well at considerably more expense. It is a classic approach dating to the early days of the tour. It makes a noticeable difference in warmth on fast descents.
Temps on the peaks have been moderate this yr. but if you have ever been on a mountain there is a 2-4F temp drop per 1k' elevation rise. They completely sweat out on the climb up. It is really frigid for awhile going down. Steve
greywolf
02-01-04, 10:48 PM
Found this pic.of a '70,s ???TdF

propp2531
02-02-04, 07:30 AM
newspaper is a good wind block, thats why the homeless use it.
Laggard
02-02-04, 08:00 AM
They still do it. Though not as much as they used to.