Special advice on health care for cyclists
The recommendations mentioned in the cyclist training regulations are intended for the training of cyclists in the Latvian Army. The recommendations are focused primarily on soldier health issues.
Special instructions for cyclists' health care:
At the end of the training period for new soldiers, a doctor must conduct a health examination of those soldiers who cannot tolerate long journeys. If, in the opinion of the doctor, the said soldiers are not suitable for the bicycle echelon and if they cannot be used for the motorized echelon, then they must be transferred to other units.
Proper health care increases the performance of cycling teams
When making a move, the command for necessary relief in the outfit on the harness should be given as early as possible at the beginning of the move.
Cyclists' clothing and harness must be adjusted so that they do not interfere with the body's blood circulation.
Taking a cold shower more frequently before and after riding protects your legs and hips from chafing (when riding in warm weather).
It is forbidden to consume alcohol before the march, during the march, as well as immediately after the end of the march.
You should not start the walk on an empty or full stomach.
Muscle cramps can be prevented with massage. Cramps occur in the arms and legs if the cyclist has not yet had sufficient training, if the bicycle saddle is incorrectly installed, if the cyclist holds the handbrake for a long time or constantly holds the handlebars in the same place, if the cyclist's clothing is tight and not comfortable enough. Too tight pants or underwear cause sharp pain in the knees and leg muscles.
If a cyclist exceeds the limits of their endurance, they experience an accelerated and uneven heartbeat, as well as difficulty breathing.
If a cyclist experiences general weakness with chills, cold sweats, a pale face, difficulty breathing, a feeling of suffocation, and a rapid and uneven heartbeat, the cyclist should be laid down, his clothes unbuttoned, and given some food with coffee or tea; after a short rest, the cyclist's lost strength will return.
In cases of sunstroke, the provisions mentioned in the Internal Service Regulations must be taken into account.
Particular care should be taken when cycling during swimming breaks. Swimming is only allowed when the cyclist has cooled down sufficiently and their heart rate has returned to normal.
Cyclist Training Regulations. Riga: Army Headquarters Training Department, 1940.
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