CANYON//SRAM Racing has been using the CORE body temperature sensor for the past two years since partnering with CORE in 2021. The team coaches, Stephen Gallagher and Dan Fleeman, provide some insights into how the team uses the device and how it’s helping shape the team’s preparation in training and top performances in races.

What is CANYON//SRAM Racing looking when using the CORE body temperature sensor?

Stephen Gallagher: Core allows monitoring another physiological strain which is placed on the body during racing and training. The ability to measure an individual’s thermal response to an environment and intensity in which she is training and racing in allows us to make more informed decisions on the factors which effected a performance. This means we have the knowledge to develop strategies in the future to increase performance and help with interventions to assist with heat and specific environments the riders are competing in.

How is the team using the Heat Strain Index and Heat Strain Score parameters?

Stephen Gallagher: The heat strain index and heat strain score are perfect ways for us to get a clear and easy-to-follow snapshot of the acute and chronic heat load on the body during specific periods of time. The heat strain index is in ‘real time’, which shows how much the body is under pressure during live time; this is an easily digestible number to help make quick, informed decisions. The strain score gives an overview of the total heat which a rider is under during each day, so we can visualise the total heat load the body was placed upon for each day. This is especially helpful during stage races or prolonged training phases to judge fatigue and help make informed decisions going forward. Both are extremely useful and easy to quantify.

How is the team using CORE to help during a race?

Stephen Gallagher: With the integration of CORE into the Hammerhead computers, we are able to see real-time Core temps during races. The ability to monitor another internal physiological strain, along with things like Heart Rate, helps riders understand the overall stress being placed upon the body at that time. Such info helps with decision-making during races.

Dan Fleeman: If a rider sees that their body temperature is rising during the race, they can take a number of steps to rescue this. Drinking fluids is helpful. Spraying water on the back of the neck, on the legs or back of the hands is often used also. The priority is to stop the temperature from getting too high with proactive measures rather than only responding reactively.

Watch the full video with Dan Fleeman talking about the team’s use of the CORE body temperature sensor.

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