Cyclists' Decision on Hair Removal Methods: Shaving or Waxing?
In the world of competitive cycling, an unusual practice has become commonplace - the shaving of legs. This tradition, dating back to the end of the interwar period and after World War II, is now a widely accepted norm among many cyclists.
According to performance manager Samuel Bellenoue, there are three main reasons for this practice. Firstly, shaving legs helps prevent infection from falls, as hair can trap dirt and bacteria. Secondly, shaving makes massages easier and more effective, allowing for better recovery and performance. Lastly, there is a non-negligible watt gain from shaved and oiled legs, ranging from 5 to 15 watts at 45 km/h.
Not all cyclists, however, prefer the same method of hair removal. While some, like Paul Ourselin from Cofidis, use traditional razors, others, such as Fabien Grellier and the cyclist from Team Total Energie, opt for laser hair removal. The latter chose this method due to issues with regrowth and massage pain.
Historian Pascal Sergent has noted this practice among cyclists, and it has become a topic of fascination for outsiders. For instance, the hairlessness of cyclists is a recurring topic when professionals discuss their daily lives.
During his career, cyclists like Philippe Gilbert and Sandy Casar have undergone hair removal. Casar, a former FDJ sprinter, mentions that hair removal, especially laser, became more common towards the end of his career. In fact, Casar is one of only two cyclists he remembers who had to remove hair during his career, aside from Gilbert.
Recently, during the Vuelta 2025, Clément Braz Afonso from Groupama-FDJ was seen using a Philips razor for a last-minute shave before the team presentation. The cyclist from Team Total Energie had to wait for the winter to undergo his laser hair removal sessions.
For quick touch-ups before races, The One Blade is a popular choice among cyclists. However, the use of Veet cream for hair removal was mentioned as an option, but it was found to take up too much space to carry.
As for the future, there are no available search results indicating which cycling teams prefer their riders to remove leg hair for the Vuelta 2025. Nevertheless, the practice of shaving legs among cyclists continues to be a part of the sport's culture and tradition.
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