12/06/2026
Should I use poles?
It’s a great question, and the answer depends on a few factors:
✅ The course has long, sustained climbs
✅ You’re racing for many hours
✅ Steep enough that you can transfer some of the load to your upper body
✅ You’ve actually practised using them
I’ve used poles in all sorts of situations, from machine-gunning up steep climbs to having a five-minute standing sleep during Wild Horse 200.
The biggest thing is practice.
It sounds obvious, but spend time getting comfortable with them. Learn how to use them efficiently, how to put them away quickly, and how to get them back out without breaking stride. Work out when they’re genuinely helping and when you’d be better off with your hands free to eat, drink or move more naturally.
❌ But don’t rely on them.
Being comfortable with poles is enough. Don’t automatically reach for them on every climb out of habit. Instead, ask yourself: Will they actually help here?
Used well, poles can save energy and keep you moving efficiently for longer. Used poorly, they’re just extra kit you’re carrying around.
