Podcast: What you need to know about cycling in the heat

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Environment and Climate Change Canada recently published its summer seasonal forecast. It looks like it will be hot, or at least above-average temperatures for most of the country. These temperatures are mainly seen in the north, in most of Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. While we don’t know how many heat waves we’ll encounter or how high those temperatures will be, it’s certain that it will all be above normal. Even as summer officially begins, parts of the country are sweltering.

Stephen Cheung is a professor and senior research fellow in the department of kinesiology at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. He has studied the effects of environmental stress (including heat) on human physiology and performance. Before the 2016 World Championships, he helped American cyclist Amber Neben adapt to the heat she faced in Doha, Qatar. She won gold in the time trial that year.

Cheung is also a rider and has contributed several articles to Canadian Cycling Magazine over the years. In this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, he helps you understand heat and its effects on your riding, and what you can do about it. He discusses how your body can adapt, how much to drink, the role of sweat and what to wear. And don’t forget your sunscreen.

How to use your brain to beat the heat

This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast is powered by MS Bike. Register and start fundraising at msbike.ca. Also check out MS Bike-specific training advice and tips from experts at Canadian Cycling Magazine.