Cycling and shaving

It used to be a superstition/tradition not to shave before a TT - I think I remember hearing it was because it makes you feel more aggressive...

Despite their outspoken contempt for 'hairy legged 4th cats' etc. I think many of them feel emasculated by their leg shaving and have to compensate facially - okay, I may have silky smooth legs and wear lycra, but look - I have manly stubble upon my chin!

If I had just cycled over 100 miles at a rapid pace up and down mountains and been through the kind of hell the pros sometimes do ... THE LAST THING I want to do is shave, I want a massage, a shedload of food and drink and some sleep..... Shaving can wait for rest day...

Could be superstition; could be laziness. I also heard that some didn't shave because it wasted energy that was needed later in the day. I'd imagine that it's as likely that the extra 5 minutes in bed would be a factor.

Isn't it the whole "can't shave on race day" thing that many superstitious people think?

Coz they've blunted their razors giving themselves a shave down under?

A. because they aren't expecting road rash on their face? (ow!)

B. because they won't be given a facial massage by the soigneur?

See your point though.

After Cav won a stage with stubble a couple of years back, he later said something about 'looking like a hobo' on the media pictures, and that he wouldn't race again without shaving his chin. Don't think it lasted long...

I don't have a clue, i though they were just going for my wolf look.

Its great in winter though, keeps you warm apart from the when the wind chill and frost catch you. The only problem i have in summer is itching when its really warm

Protection from the wind and sun?

Windburn is an actual thing.. and we all know about sunburn.

Maybe its so that they can store energy gels and snot in there for laters.