World’s leading ‘Mamil’ Hoy tells riders to quit Lycra
Six-time Olympic gold medallist advises amateur cyclists to avoid tightfitting sportswear
FOR years, middle-aged men in Lycra – known as “Mamils” – have defended their right to squeeze into tight-fitting cycling gear despite the sniggers of, well, practically everyone else. But now even Sir Chris Hoy has ridden into the debate, advising amateur cyclists to avoid skimpy, fluorescent sportswear unless they are whippet-thin because “it looks pretty awful”.
Writing in the cycling column of GQ magazine, the Olympic gold medallist said that many Britons found themselves over-thinking their cycling wardrobe, believing that to be taken seriously by other riders they should be “wearing a full Team Sky racing kit”.
“Of course, it makes most cyclists look as ridiculous as an overweight football fan wearing the shirt of his fa- vourite club for a pub five-a-side game,” Sir Chris said.
“Lycra isn’t the most elegant material you can wear and professional cycling gear generally looks awful on pretty much anyone heavier than eight stone and with more than five per cent body aerodynamic fat.
“A lot of people think they have to wear something black (because it is flattering) or something Day-glo (to be safe and seen).
“That isn’t the case. Decent cycling clothing today is designed with reflective strips or subtle detailing that is visible under street lights or in car headlights.
“You’ll find that you can be seen just as well as you would in a builder’s fluorescent vest.”
Cycling is booming in Britain with more than two million people across the country now riding their bikes at least once a week.
This is an all-time high according to British Cycling, the sport’s governing body in the UK.
And as the sport grows, so has the desire to “look the part”. Cycling clothing firm Rapha, which supplies the Team Sky pro road bike team, says its sales have grown by more than 30 per cent per annum for 11 years in a row. The worst faux pas, according to Sir Chris, is white cycling shorts, which can leave little to the imagination if riders are caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
“They’re terribly unflattering,” he said. “From the front, men look like a percentage sign and become seethrough when wet. Enough said.
“And never wear an aerodynamic helmet. Unless you are taking part in a time trial at the Olympics or one of the grand tours, don’t do it.”