The weather is finally perfect for road cycling: warm, but not too hot, with mild evenings. Unfortunately, this is also the perfect time for mosquitoes, which don't even stop at cyclists' legs. If you want to protect yourself from annoying bites on the road, it's best to use a repellent. "Repellents are designed to repel mosquitoes, ticks and the like. How effective the product is depends on the active ingredient and the way it is applied," says dermatologist and TOUR expert Peter Manstein. Most products are designed to protect for around four to eight hours - but high outside temperatures and sweating can significantly reduce protection. "So you should apply the product regularly - but not near the eyes and mucous membranes or on wounds; this can sting," advises Manstein.
Products that are offered in small pack sizes are favourable for cyclists - so you can easily carry them in your jersey pocket. Some manufacturers are trying to develop products that don't run off so easily through perspiration - Autan, for example. The gel is supposed to adhere better to the skin than a spray. Zanzarin uses natural ingredients for its "Bio-Lotion", while Togal relies on the tried and tested active ingredient diethyl toluamide.
"Everyone has to try out for themselves which product is best suited; long textiles offer additional protection against mosquitoes - especially if you want to stay outdoors after your cycle tour. Tight-fitting clothing can also be sprayed with repellent," advises the TOUR expert. It is also important to apply sun cream first in warm temperatures, let it soak in and only then apply the repellent - "otherwise you won't have any mosquito bites, but you will get sunburnt", says Manstein.
REFERENCE/INFO:
- Autan Family Care Gel, 100 ml dispenser, 7.95 euros, www.autan.de
- Zanzarin mosquito repellent organic lotion, 100 ml bottle, 8.45 euros, www.zanzarin.de
- Anti-buzz spray, 75 ml pump dispenser, 8.75 euros, www.togal.de
