Sportique Get Going Cream 100ml

Sportique Get Going Cream provides a warming boost when the temperature drops.

Embrocation creams are really popular with some cyclists at this time of year. A club ride during the autumn going on winter will always be accompanied by the faint whiff of the stuff. Sportique's Get Going Cream is an easily absorbed cream that provides a good layer of defense against the cold elements, and provides a useful kick-starter on early morning rides.

Applying the cream over the thigh and calf muscles using a good massage technique quickly gets it rubbed into the skin. It gets to work quickly, building up heat progressively but it isn't overbearingly hot. You notice the slight tingle rather than a burning sensation. It washes easily off your hands, unlike some embrocation creams that you can never really remove properly.

It doesn't last all that long, about 30-45 minutes, but that's long enough to get you through the initial shock of leaving the warmth of your house and entering the cold in just a few layers of Lycra. By then your leg muscles should have warmed up and you'll be over the shock of the cold. And unlike some embrocation creams, it doesn't burn your legs in the post-ride shower.

The smell is on the strong side and follows you for the first hour of the ride, before it starts wearing off. You'll get raised eyebrows from your partner/family when preparing for the ride, but don't let that put you off. Remember, you're a serious cyclist and you have to take your preparation seriously. For some cyclists, embrocation is as much a part of the pre-ride ritual as drinking espresso and coordinating your outfit and precisely loading pockets for the ride ahead.

The idea behind embrocation creams like this too they give a warming sensation and stimulate the blood vessels under the skin, so blood flow is increased to your muscles, helping to warm you up before you pound out the miles. I'm dubious about the supposed benefits myself, there's perhaps a psychological benefit that comes with the application, but you can't beat decent clothing like knee and leg warmers to stop your legs getting cold in the first place.

Some people swear by them though, and if you're interested in trying, the Get Going Cream is well-priced and the 100ml tube will last for ages. It's also a handy size for stashing in your kit bag for taking to races or sportives.

Verdict

It's not the hottest embrocation but for a slight boost of heat in the legs on cold mornings, Get Going Cream works well.