ROUNDED UP
Essentially a tubeshaped scarf, the humble neckwarmer is actually an essential weapon in the cyclist’s war against winter. These versatile garments provide an extra layer of protection against the elements that can keep not just your neck warm, but also your chin, nose, cheeks and ears, too, depending on how high up you opt to wear it. It will also – when worn over the mouth – help to protect your lungs by providing an added membrane to breathe through that will take the edge of freezing cold air. Neckwarmers for cycling, then, need to be not just good at insulating your neck, but also good at wicking – ie allowing water vapour to escape. They should also, ideally, have a good stretchable it for maximum comfort as most tend to be one-sizeits- all. When not in use they can be easily rolled up around the neck to cope with sweat or folded and stowed away. Oh and in case you’re wondering, any resemblance between our dummy in these pics and Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford is entirely coincidental…
