Pune Grand Tour Sees Cyclists Wear Black Nose Strip: What Is It? Is It A Safety Gear? Where Can You Buy It?

If you have been watching cycling races lately, one small detail may have caught your eye. Many riders are now seen wearing thin strips across their noses while riding.

This simple item has quietly turned into a popular trend among cyclists who want better breathing. The trend has also reached India, where several professional riders were recently spotted using them during the Pune Grand Tour, which was held earlier this week, between January 19 and 23.

What Is It?

As per cyclists, these strips help keep nasal passages open, which makes it easier to breathe during long and tough rides. Pro Cycling Team rider Enzo Fuentes shared that joining a professional team helped him fix two problems, breathing well while cycling and getting better sleep.

While

his teammates jokingly say he started using the strips because he snores, Fuentes explained that the real reason is simple. For him, the strips help clear his nose and make breathing easier and more controlled during both training and competition.

As per The Indian Express, Enzo Fuentes said, “I started using them two years ago after joining the Pro Cycling team. It’s also to ensure I am breathing right when I sleep.”

Is It A Safety Gear?

Not all athletes or sports personalities use nose strips and shouldn’t be considered as a safety tool. Nose strips are mainly used to open up the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and giving a small boost in energy. They encourage breathing through the nose rather than the mouth, but they don’t fully protect from injuries or health risks.

Where Can You Buy It?

While nose strips are helping athletes improve their breathing, anyone can buy them for personal use. They are available at many medical stores and online delivery platforms like Blinkit, NetMeds, Amazon, Big Basket, Zepto and other online shops. The price of these strips varies depending on the brand and quality, starting from around Rs 100 and going up to Rs 1000.

International Teams Bring Nose Strips To Pune Grand Tour

Interestingly, teams from Spain, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Malaysia brought boxes of nasal strips with them to the Pune Grand Tour. These strips are placed on the middle part of the nose to help with breathing. During the competition, riders are careful about handling their gear and often attach their strips to the back of their jerseys with safety pins before the race starts.

Team Roojai’s Australian rider Dylan Hopkins recalled, “Early in my racing career, I once had the paper bibs flapping away like crazy at the start, and I looked really ridiculous. It affects riding, of course, in winds, but I decided I would never look stupid again. From then onwards, I make it a point to sit each race morning calmly and pin the bibs properly. It’s almost a superstition that shabby bibs will lead to a bad race. Three pins to secure the top. Three on the side. All sides. And life feels alright.”

A Global Event With 29 Teams

The Pune Grand Tour featured 29 teams from all over the world. Along with teams from Spain, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia and Australia, several other countries also took part. These included India, Philippines, Indonesia, Greece, Czech Republic, Eritrea, Mongolia, Mauritius, Bulgaria, Thailand, Germany, New Zealand, China, Moldova, Belarus, Andorra, Norway, Estonia, Vietnam, South Korea, Great Britain and Uzbekistan.