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I cramped up maybe ten times today in a 79KM XC race, granted it was over 30 degrees for most of it, but I took gels, isotonic drink, and tablets at various points in time to try and counter this.
However after 50KM the legs had had enough. This coincides with the longest I've gone on the bike this year. Knowing my body well from a competitive running background I feel that dehydration was not entirely to blame for this.
So a question to XC/road racers, does getting the miles in reduce the chance of getting cramp?
It will do yes. There are at least two reasons for cramp. One being loss of hydration and salts. Another reason though is simply the muscles not being used to doing what is being asked of them. So training miles and intensity will improve your ability to "resist" cramp. Obviously in this weather the body could be being exposed to both of these sources so keep up the hydration too.
And just to add a note of negativity, some people just seem more prone than others, but hydration and long term riding/training should minimise the occurrence.
IME
Thanks, looks like I need go long and forget the intensity for the rest of the season.
Training of any type reduces the chance of getting cramp.