With racing upon us after a cold, wet & snowy early training season it’s time to think about the tactical side of racing your bike. Yes, you’ve trained hard and your Threshold Power is better than ever… your match-book is larger than last year at this time too; great! BUT, what have you done in the arena of tactics, bike handling and teamwork?
Today’s tip – keep An Eye Behind You. When you get up the road solo or in a break or when simply on the front of the race, be sure you know what’s happening behind. Is the pack right on you and you’re pulling it around wasting precious energy? Do you have a 100 meter gap? Are you in a break with four others and ‘out of sight’ of the pack? Are two of your team mates working hard to get across to your break which will give you numbers in it, fortify it and give your team a great chance at winning the event?
Yes, what’s in front of you is very important, but do keep tabs on what’s happening behind you also.
This is true! I learned the hard way this spring. I was in a break taking turns pulling and when I started to come off a chase group caught us. Thankfully, an experienced rider warned me before I did something stupid!