Kinesio is proud to be supporting East London Fixed, who are an eight-strong team of track and criterium cyclists currently making a name for themselves nationally and internationally. Fixed gear bikes have been around as long as cycling, but they've recently become more popular because they're so well suited to riding around urban areas.
A 'fixed gear' bike is one with just one gear and no freewheel. This means that when the back wheel turns, the pedals are always turning.
East London Fixed was founded 18 months ago by Charles Nicholson, Ben Flower and Jack Dowle. The team, consisting of seven men and one woman, compete all over Europe and also in the UK but as the sport is relatively new in this country it means have to travel a fair distance to compete.
Team member Brett Smith (24) from Leyton is passionate about track cycling. He can often be found practising in Lee Valley Velo Park in the Olympic Park, East London and frequently reaches speeds of over 40 mph.
Brett was involved in a cycling accident last year when he dislocated his Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint (the joint between the collarbone and the acromion) and since then he's relied on Kinesio taping to support his shoulder. Having realised the benefits and pain relief it gives to his shoulder, he also now uses Kinesio tape on his knees as well as his ankles to support them while he's cycling. He says: "Over the last year, Kinesio has literally kept me in training".
Brett has now introduced the healing and pain relieving properties of Kinesio to other members of the team, Lina Bivainyte in particular, now won't race without Kinesio on her knees!
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