- 1). Preview the racecourse. Take a ride around the course in the hours, or even days, leading up to the event. Make particular note of all corners and any hills. Both features can affect the dynamic of a race, causing some riders to decelerate and others to accelerate. Being aware of the features of a racecourse helps the racer anticipate sudden changes in race pace.
- 2). Focus on personal strengths. Some riders are excellent sprinters, biding their time until the finish, when they can make an effective dash for the line. Other riders are good climbers, and use the hills to attack their opponents. Using personal strengths strategically is the key to winning races.
- 3). Draft as often as possible. Drafting is a skill whereby one cyclist benefits from the slipstream of another cyclist. Drafting versus not drafting can save the cyclist as much as 40 percent in energy expenditure. Use the extra energy to attack opponents on hills or at the finish line.
- 4). Corner the bicycle smoothly. Poor cornering will cause a cyclist to lose time on the competition. Follow the wheel directly in front, and avoid using the brakes when executing the turn. Raise the inside pedal to avoid striking the ground, and then rotate the pedals hard when emerging from the turn.
- 5). Pedal a comfortable gear combination. Choosing a gear that over-stresses the legs causes lactic acid to accumulate in the muscles, resulting in discomfort and soreness. Spinning a lighter, easier gear helps buffer lactic acid from the system, keeping legs fresh and strong. Like a vehicle, a geared bicycle includes multiple gears. Front and rear bicycle gears are combined to create a gear ratio suitable to personal needs.
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