Why do cyclists put cotton in their noses to warm up?

The images from the warm-up before the time trials of the Tour de France reveal all kinds of details, from prototype bicycles to new cooling methods, but there is one that has been repeated for years, a small gesture that catches the eye: several riders can be seen pedaling on the roller with their noses stuffed with cotton.

Why do some Tour de France cyclists warm up with cotton in their noses?

At first glance, it may seem like a technique to limit breathing or some type of specific training, but the explanation is much simpler. In the professional peloton, it is a traditional practice associated with the use of a preparation made from essential oils like menthol, eucalyptus, or mint, which are used to soak those cottons.

A trick to "open" breathing before exertion

The procedure consists of soaking two small pieces of cotton with a few drops of this oil and partially inserting them into the nostrils during the warm-up. Inhaling its vapors, menthol produces an intense sensation of freshness that makes many cyclists feel they can breathe more easily.

RECOMENDADO

Blood Flow Restriction Training: promises, evidence, and doubts of the new trend

The BH Coloma Team confirms that Chiara Teocchi is out of danger after her accident but remains under observation

Fine and yellow card for a UAE mechanic for assisting Del Toro after his breakdown

This study supports INEOS's secret to combating heat in the Tour

Departure, expected arrival time, and key points of stage 3 of the Tour de France 2026

Why did the UCI ban ice socks in the Tour?

It is not a mechanical effect that widens the airways, but rather a sensation caused by the activation of cold receptors present in the nasal mucosa. That perception of increased airflow is precisely what many riders seek before facing maximum exertion like a time trial.

Although it becomes especially visible during the Tour de France, this ritual has been present in professional cycling for decades. It is common to see it during the warm-up of time trials, when riders spend several minutes on the roller focused on reaching the appropriate body temperature before starting.

In a discipline where any detail can make a difference, many cyclists maintain very personal routines that they repeat race after race. Cotton is one of them and continues to be used in numerous teams despite not being part of the usual technical material.

Does it really improve performance?

To date, there is no solid scientific evidence that demonstrates this practice increases performance on the bike. Studies conducted on aids designed to facilitate breathing, such as nasal strips or dilators, have not found significant improvements in power output or recorded times during maximum efforts.

Therefore, the main explanation for its persistence in the peloton seems to be related to the subjective sensation it provides. Many riders claim to feel clearer and more comfortable breathing during the warm-up, something that can help them face the minutes leading up to one of the most demanding disciplines in cycling with better feelings.

In a sport where so-called “marginal gains” are part of daily life, even small rituals like this continue to have their place. Olbas Oil may not increase watts, but for many professionals, it remains an additional element of the pre-race routine before competing in a time trial.