MADRID – With bicycle racing season now shifting into high gear in Europe and the U.S., both the athletes and the devoted fans lining the course are at increased risk for UV damage and skin cancer.
Image copyright: Hshen Lim/iStockphoto.com
A survey of an international group of 64 elite professional cyclists conducted during last August’s 10-stage Volta a Portugal–that country’s most important cycling event–found only 60% regularly applied sunscreen before riding, and just two-thirds of those who did made an effort to apply it to all exposed skin, Dr. Osvaldo Correia reported at the 13th World Congress on Cancers of the Skin, sponsored by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Moreover, only 8% of the professional riders reapplied sunscreen during their long days in the saddle, added Dr. Correia, a dermatologist at the University of Porto (Portugal).
The survey respondents indicated they trained or raced for an average of 3-5 hours daily most of the year, almost always during the UV-intense hours of 11 am to 5 pm. More than half of the riders had followed such a schedule for 10-19 years.
Thirty-six percent of the riders reported having had a significant sunburn during the first 8 months of 2009. The most common site was the arms, followed by the face–especially the nose–and then the legs.
The rate of adherence to standard sun protection measures was considerably low, given that all the top professional cycling teams are closely supported by a medical staff.
In conducting his cyclist interviews at the Volta a Portugal, Dr. Correia noticed many bad sunburns among the fans. Major bicycling races are huge social events in which a party atmosphere prevails. Many cycling enthusiasts camp out overnight to ensure they get a good viewing spot, and stay there for many hours in the sun drinking, socializing, and awaiting the arrival of the peleton of riders.
Dr. Correia suggested that race officials encourage fans to protect themselves by using large hats, adequate clothing, sunglasses, and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
He disclosed having no financial conflicts in connection with this study.
Image above copyright: Hshen Lim/iStockphoto.com