It may sound strange, but peeing during a bike race is a real problem.
If the question ‘How do cyclists pee?’ has never crossed your mind, you have most likely never participated in a triathlon. Regardless of whether you want the information or not however, peeing during a bike race is a real problem cyclists face.
Granted, I am sure there are much bigger problems in the world, but if you do find yourself in a bike race, knowing your options regarding urination could end up saving you time, heartache, and embarrassment.
Staying hydrated during a race is super important, so it stands to reason that at some point, you will have to pee. Luckily, everyone else in the race is probably having the same problem.
READ MORE: How to Fuel and Refuel Before and After a Triathlon
So, here are a few ways you can pee, whilst riding a bike, in a triathlon.
Stop and squat. Most riders just opt to stop for a few seconds and pee on the side of the road. This will affect your overall time, but some triathlons designate ‘nature breaks’ where everyone pees together. If you choose this option, your best bet is to speed up beforehand and get as far as you can, so you don’t lose as much time during your break.
Keep on riding. One option is to just pee on your bike. Because of the nature and camaraderie of triathlons, you aren’t going to be judged for it if you decide to just let it flow. The only problem is, you may lose concentration and time from focusing on urination. In cold weather rides however, it may offer a little much needed warmth.
Enlist help. In some races, you can ask a fellow cyclist to help push you along while you pee. This will help keep your speed up while you take care of business. Most cyclists will be familiar with this problem, and thus will likely be happy to help.
Regardless of how you decide to answer nature’s call, I wouldn’t suggest holding it in. This will only add stress, in a time when you need to be concentrating and focused. Not to mention, it isn’t really healthy for your bladder.