🏁 19th GP Squadra Veloce – 21st of June!

Dear participant,

We’re excited to welcome you tomorrow at the 19th GP Squadra Veloce. Due to the forecasted high temperatures, we have taken extra precautions and share important advice in this message for both participants and spectators. Please read carefully.

Measures and Protocol

In addition to the general advice for warm and sunny weather, we kindly ask you to review the official ‘Extreme Weather Protocol’ from the KNWU. You can read it via this link.

We’ve also made changes to the program and are providing extra shaded areas and cooling options at the venue.

Participant Responsibilities

All participants are responsible for their own health and training condition. Here are essential tips for competing in extreme heat:

• Start at a slower pace to let your body adjust to the heat.
• Eat and drink properly. Go easier, go smarter.
• Cool yourself down with water over your head, a wet towel on your neck, or by soaking your shirt.
• Drink about 1.5x the amount of fluid you lose through sweat (approx. 1 liter per hour).
• Take large sips rather than frequent small ones for better absorption.
• Avoid plain water: it can dilute the blood. Use isotonic drinks for best results (look for 48g/100ml carbohydrates and 400mg/100ml sodium).
• Monitor hydration by checking urine color (light = good, dark = dehydrated).
• Weigh yourself before and after activity. A 1–2% weight loss is acceptable, but not more.
• Drink 0.5 liters of water during the last half hour before the start, and bring water with you.
• Use rinse stations and sponges provided along the course to stay cool.
• Rest in shaded areas between races, cool down, and wear light clothing. Apply sunscreen after removing your kit.

Clothing & Sun Protection

• Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Wear breathable, light-colored (preferably white) clothing for optimal sweat evaporation and heat reflection.
• Protect your head and neck if exposed to direct sunlight.
• Use a helmet with ventilation holes and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Pre-acclimatize by training in extra layers in the days before racing in heat.

Warming Up & Cooling Down

• Shorten and soften your warm-up in hot weather to avoid excessive core temperature increases.
• Warm-up in the shade if possible.
• After the race, do a proper cool-down. Rehydrate, refuel with carbohydrates and minerals, and change into dry clothes.

For Spectators

It’s not only the athletes who need to prepare — spectators should also take precautions. Here are some useful tips:

• Drink twice as much as usual, but avoid overhydrating. Too much water can also cause health issues in the heat.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a sun hat.
• If you’re not urinating, you may be dehydrated — drink more.
• Check the color of your urine. Dark color = dehydration.
• If you start to feel unwell, leave crowded areas, hydrate, and seek shade.

We have decided to cancel the Class 5 race due to lack of subscriptions and move the entire schedule one hour earlier. The updated program is as follows:

• 10:00 – Class 4 (Open Race m + f)
• 11:00 – Class 3 (Student Men)
• 12:15 – Women (Students)
• 13:30 – Class 1 + 2 (Students)