Peloton Perspectives: Everyone knows it, no one talks about it…

I learned growing up, and in the early stages of my career, that saddle soreness was a general term to describe when everything is uncomfortable, sitting on a saddle. But it took until quite a few years into my career until I learned what saddle soreness really means. It is an injury on the private part of the human, so no-one really talks about it more specifically. 

Saddle soreness isn't one injury; it is a term for a long list of symptoms. So as a young girl I experienced some discomfort sitting on the saddle, but I wasn't sure if that already counted as saddle soreness. I heard of some women needing surgery on their private part after having too much discomfort sitting on the saddle. Since I never had this much trouble, I thought my symptoms weren´t saddle soreness. It was just a bit of labial swelling. Or just abscesses. Just an ingrown hair maybe.

But all those things count as saddle soreness as well as many more symptoms. To name a few more, for you it could mean numbness, tingling, bruising, or chafing, which can lead to a burning feeling while peeing or even having some cuts.

In many cases riders don´t search for help, because of shame or shyness. But I assure you that no-one will judge you, and sometimes an open talk helps in finding the right solutions. I once had the issue of a really swollen labia. It was the size of an egg and there were some cuts too. I couldn´t wear tight jeans anymore and riding wasn´t really comfortable either. 

But of course I kept on riding, because in my mind I wasn´t sick. As a professional cyclist, every day you can´t ride your bike feels like a big loss. So as long as you don´t feel sick, you keep on going, because suffering is part of the job anyway. But of course this influenced my training. I chose as many hills as possible to ride out of the saddle for most of the time and when I sat down, then I wasn´t sitting straight on the saddle. I made it work for a couple of weeks until I finally reached out to the doctor and gave him a detailed description of my problem. He prescribed me a cream and within a week it was gone.

Of course, every case is different and there are many issues which can´t be solved with the right cream and need more drastic treatments. But step one is to open up and speak about it! Your health is the most important thing you have, it doesn´t matter if you are a professional athlete or an amateur. Taking care of your body should always be the priority.

There are few things I want to advise you to do to prevent yourself from unnecessary discomfort on the bike. Two most important points are the right bib shorts and the saddle. Everyone is different, so there isn´t a “one size fits all” saddle or chamois. For example I ride the “men” chamois in my bib shorts since I am not comfortable in the “women” chamois. Don´t be shy trying different things until you find something which is working for you. Also check your bib shorts to see if the chamois is still well-padded or if it´s too worn out.

The right saddle will only give you the needed comfort when you are having the correct bike position. Bike fits can be expensive, but it is well invested money in my opinion.  Some bike fits can include a saddle pressure mapping too, which can be a great tool to find the right saddle quicker.

Next up are chamois creams. In general I think it is good to use them now and then. But I think if you have found the right match of bib-shorts and saddle, it shouldn´t be needed for every ride. Nevertheless, it can be a good prevention on long rides or lots of rides in a row.

I can only speak for the women here, but I also would advise using a hydrating protection cream after and before a ride too. We care a lot about our skin on our face or hands, but the skin of your vulva will also thank you for daily care. There are many creams specially designed for the vulva and easily available in a pharmacy.

I hope I could break down the barrier to open up about this sensitive topic. It shouldn´t be ignored and everyone who currently suffers with it, should find the courage to ask for help. You aren´t alone with these issues. Don´t be lazy not trying out different saddles. Don´t wait too long to see a doctor. Cycling is beautiful and you should be able to enjoy it free from pain.

See you on the road,

Franzi