Troupe Racing Company reviews Soigneur

January 25th, 2012

I’m reposting a great review from Troupe Racing; A mountain bike team based in Southern California.  Not only is Troupe Racing winning races they are also tremendously cool people. Pretty much the main reason why we support the team.

Our Own Personal Soignuer
Despite popular belief, it can get pretty cold here in California in the fall and spring. We have plenty of 90 and 100 degree days in the summer, but the fall, winter and spring months bring early darkness and cold temps. Due to daylight savings, it gets dark around 4:30 pm and the lights, layers, and cold weather gear come out. Two years ago, we added Soigneur Embrocation to our equipment to help manage the temperature swings.

“Embro” is a warming cream that athletes put on their legs or muscles to help loosen them up. Its very popular among cyclocross racers. Put on thick enough, it helps shield skin from cold wind and water. Applied 15 minutes or so before a ride, and it warms and loosen the legs and gets them ready for action. It can help keep the shock of crisp morning air to a minimum, too.

It’s creator is a cyclist from Michigan, Dan Socie. As a designer, he knows good product design and branding. As an athlete, he knows how Soigneur needs to work. And as a Michigander, he knows the cold. In fact, Soigneur is a major sponsor of one of the biggest fall cold weather race in the U.S., the Iceman Cometh Challenge in Traverse City, MI.

Dan describes the meaning behind the name best:

In the sport of professional cycling, a soigneur (“swan-yer”) is a very important part of a successful team. Not only do they pack bags, prepare food, schedule flights, drive vans, hand up food, and calm nerves, they also rub legs. The Soigneur is the last person to touch a rider before the race, and the first person to hand them a drink after the race.

Unless you’re a professional, you are your own soigneur. We’re here to help. At Soigneur we create products that enhance your athletic experience, motivate you to start your workout, enjoy the ride, and recover from a workout.

So, how hot is is? It’s warm, for sure, and it takes a few times to get a good feel for how much each individual needs. A little goes a long way, so the first few times its best to apply sparingly.

Its also a good idea to thoroughly wash your hands after application, to avoid rubbing eyes. It also is most definitely not a chamois cream. Avoid using it as such at all costs.

We’ve found it to not only be a critical tool for training and racing (awesome for early spring 12 and 24 hour endurance events), but also for aching backs, stiff necks and sore shoulders. It’s also really nice for recovery. It’s deep heating effect helps to increase circulation. Even after riding, Soigneur has a nice “after heat” that helps relax muscles and avoid soreness. Some of us even use it on days when we don’t ride.

We’re proud to be one of the few teams that Soigneur works with, and certainly the only team on the West Coast.

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