Side stitch - only on road bike

[DominionZA]

So, always been a MTB'er and never had the problem of side stitches.

Late last year I purchased a road bike to mix things up a bit, and rode my first Road event - the 94.7. About 3/4 into the race, I got an incredible stitch. At one point I nearly dropped off my bike from the pain. Drinking a lot of fluid at the next hydration station helped the pain, and eventually it went away.

 

Since the 94.7 I have only ridden my MTB. Average ride is 50 to 65km. No problems.

 

This Sat, I hit cradle with the road bike for a double loop. About 70km in, the dreaded stitch came back. It did not get anywhere as bad as the 94.7 stitch, but it was still sore as hell.

I only had race fuel with me and no pure water. Thinking I was perhaps getting too much of whatever was in my bottles, I grabbed a bottle of water from a lady selling stuff to cyclists at Sterkfontein caves. About 10 mins later the stitch subsidised and I completed my ride pain free.

I use the same juice on MTB rides...

 

Can anyone give me insight into this? What can I do to prevent it coming on at all? What can cause a stitch when cycling?

Water seems to be my cure, but would prefer it not happening at all.

 

Doing the Berg En Dale this coming Sat, and really not into suffering again.

[SwissVan]

Try some belly breathing when you feel it coming on, i.e. try change your breathing pattern and use your diaphragm more. 

 

Breathe in while gently pushing your stomach outwards

Breathe out let your stomach return to normal

 

and / or try change position on a regular basis while riding

 i.e. sit up more upright or bend forward more

[ChUkKy]

Me, I'd stick to the MTB