A note on embrocation

Embrocation refers to the application of liniment to ‘irritate’ the skin and promote blood flow to the muscles pre-competition. The benefits of embrocation are a ‘hot’ topic in the cycling world, and there is much debate over its physical performance enhancements. Nevertheless, I am still willing to gain the apparent psychological placebo effect, tanning ability and general aesthetic appearance associated with its usage! Perhaps contrary to purpose, past practice has shown it seems the heating effect reaches its peak level post exercise and true to form, the post race burn reared its ugly head after Sunday’s kermesse in Runkelen. This was no ordinary heat-wave however, and the heat-induced sting that ensued was particularly fierce. To put it lightly, ‘Sportsbalm hot’ is lethal. I think Alan Partridge captured the feeling brilliantly, when he infamously bit into a brambly apple pie exclaiming “it’s hotter than the sun”. It certainly was. After this episode, I can categorically say I’m sold on embrocation, if only the incredible heat it’s capable of producing could be more evident before and during races!