According to Momentum, riding in wet weather requires different skills.
Momentum suggests wearing a rain jacket. Not only will a good waterproof jacket keep cyclists’ torsos dry, but it will also help them regulate their body temperatures. During a race, cyclists need to wear a jacket that’s both waterproof and breathable. A breathable material is essential so that cyclists don’t overheat. A thinner rain jacket or “shell” can also be used with the correct layers underneath, although persistent or very heavy rain will get through eventually.
Momentum advised cyclists to avoid solid lines on the road. In terms of traction, road markings are like ice when they are wet.
Momentum also advised wearing a cycling cap, otherwise known as a casquette. A casquette is a thin cotton cap worn under a cyclist’s helmet with a small peak. The cap keep cyclists’ heads a little warmer in wet conditions and the peak can help with water spray.
Cyclists should also avoid standing water. Not only can puddles get cyclists wet, but they can be incredibly dangerous as anything could be lurking underneath the water, like a pothole that will buckle a bike’s wheel. When cyclists see standing water, they should check over their shoulders before moving safely out to the middle of the road to avoid the puddles closest to the kerb.
The effectiveness of braking is also greatly reduced in wet weather. Slowing down might be the last thing a cyclist wants to do in the rain, but it’s always better to arrive at the finish line wet than bruised and sore.
