TdeF and sticking the tongue out
 

:p Why are some racers sticking their tongue out during their TT or while on a break? I don't think this is about showing off or anything, and they appear quite focused while doing it Any idea?

Actually I pondered that question about 10 years ago. When Michael Jordan was in his prime.

I actually wanted to try that (tongue out when driving to the basket) but I was afraid I would fall and bit my tongue off.

I tried it when riding a few days ago, felt good. I can't explain it.

No extra wattage though, I'm still as slow as crap.

You gotta stick your tongue out sometimes when the race delivers the pain.

This one guy I ride with does it, but when I ask him, he just gets angry with me.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...nolo/maori.jpg

The people you see doing it have probably been doing it since childhood--a sign that they are giving their best effort:) We all have our idiosyncrasies.

Schleck does it alot.

Perhaps it's an effort to feel cooler. If so, I'd say it was counter-productive. You would lose more fluid to evaporation, correct?

It help you breathe better. Similar to belly breathing that Andy Hampsten use when he raced.

Try it sometime when you are tired or dehydrated. Both techniques worked for me.

S/F,
CEYA!

Protein boost. Most medium-sized flies supply a surprising amount of protein, 2-4 grams per. Over the course of a 120 mile stage you can mitigate necessary protein consumption at the evening dinner table with some regular tongue wag.

it works for dogs and people alike.

as said above, stick you tounge out and down(against your chin) and it does open your mouth more and makes it a little easier to breath when you are gasping for air.

Ah, those dog owners... gotta be like their dogs!

sounds like your not riding hard enough yourself :) I dont stick mine out, i push it against my lower teeth and grimace.

well now! thanks for sharing- I save my tongue for when I really need it :P

This afternoon I was riding up some long, and rather steep hills on the north side of San Antonio. On a one speed beach cruiser. My lungs, after six decades of use and abuse were protesting against working so hard. And, thinking of all the guys in the Tour who were riding with their tongues sticking out, I stuck out my tongue.

It might have been the brain fog that comes from being hot and tired, but it SEEMED I was suddenly getting much more air into my mouth and down into my lungs. And, the air moving across my tongue made me feel a bit cooler. But, it might have just been heat exhaustion making me imagine I was feeling better.

But, I don't know what the passing motorists were thinking. Probably, "why is that elderly guy struggling up a steep hill on a bike with his tongue hanging out...maybe we should call the paramedics..."

When some exert max effort they stick there tongue out. It happens in every sport. I think I was doing it the other day. Just don't hit a pothole. Later.

:eek: :)

Not only do I think it looks weird, but I happen to be one of those who stick out their tongue as well, but luckily for me, no one is usually around or looking at me when I do it. It's part concentration, feels comfortable when I am working really hard, and well, habit.