Am i cramping up

[Rob W]

After a few races recently just as i`m stepping of my bike my right hamstring almost feels like its going to pop out,like a bulge in it.This only happens after really big efforts,right on the max.I`am drinking about 500-750mls of Bike food with electrolytes per hr and may be a gel per hr.Also i have a drink before the race.I do sweat very heavily.After about a couple of minutes it goes of.So what is going on.

[Keith]

I always have to be careful when getting off the bike after a long, hard right. I think that lifting the right leg up over the saddle rapidly stretches the hamstring in a way it's not been used to after sitting on the bike for hours.

[Marek]

Have you changed your cleat or shoe set up recently, if so you could be using slightly different muscles to what you were used to. I got off my bike after a long ride in Italy and as I lifted my leg over my bike I cramped up. Think it is normalish after a hard effort and you then move your body into a different position. Just wander around with the bike between your legs for a while after the race or warm down a bit and then get off this might help.

Cheers

Marek.....

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

I'll just add that you must do some leg stretching exercises after every ride.

[George]

no need to get cramp in your hamstring as you get off your bike.

All you need to do is crash at the end of a ride and this should solve your problem Rob