What’s the secret behind the ‘magic bracelets’ worn by cyclists?
Tour de France fans may have noticed identical little bracelets worn by many professional cyclists this year. But these wristbands are no ordinary accessory: wearing them supposedly enhances an athlete's balance, strength and flexibility.
According to the wristband's manufacturer, Power Balance bracelets and pendants carry holograms that are "designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body" to enhance an athlete's stamina, balance and overall performance. Power Balance claims its products are based on the same energy flow concepts of many Eastern philosophies and that wearing them improves mental and physical capabilities.
Sceptics may scoff, but professional cyclists are buying up the 35-euro wristbands faster than you can say "placebo effect". Many Tour de France cyclists have worn theirs throughout the competition: Mathieu Perget of the Caisse d'Epargne team never takes his off, and several Bbox-Bouygues team members have been spotted wearing the pendant.
According to the Power Balance website, the bracelets are also used by surfers, golfers and swimmers.
This piece was written with the help of our Observer in Italy, Alberto Celani.
Press conference, 2010 Tour de France. Photo posted by Amaury Sport on Facebook.
Photo posted on the facebook group "Tous avec Mat" (Everyone behind Mat).
"Cyclists are more superstitious than other athletes"
Pietro Illarietti used to race with Italy's junior national cycling team. He is now press officer for Ivan Basso, the 2006 Italian Giro winner from the Carmiooro-NGC team.
Cyclists are particularly quick to buy into this kind of fad. They're real copycats, and very superstitious. When one of them shows up wearing something new or intriguing, chances are the rest of the team will buy it too.
The new Power Balance bracelet benefited from an excellent marketing campaign. Many journalists were sent one. At least 20 Tour de France participants are currently wearing one. The great sprinter Alessandro Petrarchi has admitted to wearing one even though he's not sure whether it has any effect on his performance.
The bracelet is made of various stones and minerals. Cyclists think that it helps relax and free their muscles, and bring them strength and balance. Apparently it also helps you sleep!
The wristband may have some positive effects, who knows? But a cyclist asked me to get a doctor's opinion, and the doctor told me that there was absolutely no scientific proof of the Power Balance's effectiveness. Personally I'm sceptical. And 35 euros is expensive for something that maybe works. In any case, the bracelet won't replace the Italian cyclists' favourite lucky charm: a medallion of the Virigin Mary stuck under their bike seats."
"If the wristband does something, you can hardly tell"
Simone Tuna Bosatelli is a designer. He bought the Power Balance wristband.
.jpg)
Comments
Rubbish
Submitted by Arsey Flinsin (not verified) on Mon, 26/07/2010 - 06:29.A complete load of codswallop. This piece of plastic has absolutely ZERO effect. No need to even test as it doesn't make sense in the slightest. Embedding "frequencies" into a sticker? Aligning itself with human's frequencies? Truly hilarious.
Modern Day Mood Ring
Submitted by Robert Lamb (not verified) on Wed, 21/07/2010 - 11:49.This looks like a modern day mood ring. http://imod.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/mood-ring.jpg
Another way to separate the fool from his money.