UPF’D.

A lifetime spent on a bicycle has its many benefits, but we’re all subject to the beguilingly damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Many companies (Terry included!) are savvy to this and offer apparel that comes with a UPF rating. Pay attention to that rating! Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates what fraction of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can penetrate the fabric (50=1/50th of the sun’s rays). The higher a garment’s UPF, the greater the amount of protection. This is not an arbitrary marketing gimmick to trick consumers into buying something else they don’t need. Fabrics with a legitimate UPF rating have to be certified to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing worn outdoors in high UVR (ultraviolet radiation) regions should have a UPF of 50+. Athletes are at a greater risk since we typically spend so many hours in the mid-day sun (a major risk for all skin cancers), we sweat (increasing our photosensitivity of the skin leading to a higher risk for sunburn) and we don’t know when to say when (which can lead to a weakening of the immune system).

Arm yourself for summer with our NEW Soleil UPF 50+ Cycling Top, available in late April, 2015.