Racing road tactics (basics)

Written by Pat Ferris

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 16:34

This is for club riders new to 'road racing' or want to pick up a few tips and ideas about it.
There is no substiute for experience.
Club racing is a superb source of that racing experience. Don't miss out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massed start road Racing:
It is as much an event of strategy as it is of strength.
Smart trumps inexperienced (or a stronger rider lacking speed) strength.

It is rather like being dropped into a half played chess game. Your goal is to win while being unable to move any of the players (your competitors) yourself.
Massed start road racing is where a group of riders start, duel it out on the hills, flats and finish to decide the winner.
Drafting, rain, cold, wind, heat and sometimes snow can all be factors.
Riders make various temporary alliances and efforts to achieve that goal of a good placing.
Very different than time trials where it is purely maximum effort for X amount of time and distance, however a 'road racer' will have more speed than simply lone training.

Q: Why 'road race' ?
A: Road racing will make you a faster, better rider than simply doing the one speed 'plod' training by yourself.
You will race at your training pace, in any sport. (A slow training run pace or swim pace = a slow race pace, correct?)
Your hills and overall cycling speed will improve when you force yourself to stick with faster riders.
It is like high intensity interval training with real life 'rabbits' to follow.
If you allow yourself adequate recovery, you will get faster.

Key points about 'road racing':
-Think about the day's route and conditions and make a bit of a plan for food, water and clothing.
-Spin! Pedal at 90 to 110 rpm. It is easier and has better acceleration. (drive a stick shift car? You gear down to pass, right?)
-Get a good warm up including a couple of short 'jumps' before the race starts so you are ready for the quick change of paces.
-The average rider (you) have six high efforts in them for the race. Save some for last or you will come up empty.
-Do not underestimate yourself. Many races have been won by a 'weak' rider being smart.
-Stay where the 'action' is and don't get 'shuffled off' by slower riders.
-Note the 'movers and shakers' in the group. Do what they do, when they do it. Make a note of where they are.
-Better yet, stay on a wheel of one of the 'movers and shakers'.
-Look up and ahead, not the back wheel of the rider in front of you.
-Hills aren't your best point? Be on the front and the bottom and let yourself slide back as you go up. Be ready to attack back on when they summit and sit up to rest.
-Use your head to think about strategy, overall, but your instincts for quick decisions such as sprints and breaks.
-The 'pack' will split up at various high effort's called 'Selection' points. The smarter/stronger will leave others behind.
-Most selection points happen on the hills or coming out of corners. Expect them by being near the front.
-There will be occasional breathers, where the pace slows down enough for you to rest a bit. Take advantage of the recovery time for a drink, food and get your heart rate down.
-Don't waste your time and energy on foolish, early breaks. Better to plan to stay with the pack.
-Each race, win or lose, will make you a little smarter, mor experienced than you were before.
-Train with faster, more experienced riders. Get the feel of a faster pace.
-Push yourself hard but allow for recovery. Without recovery, there will be no improvement!
-Post race: look back and see what you did well and what you could improve for next race.

Every race you enter will leave you a bit smarter and a bit faster.
Plodding along, alone, will not improve your cycling speed or experience.

Pat
the Club Coach

Want to know more? Get this Thomas Prehn book:
http://coachlevi.com/product-reviews/racing-tactics-for-cyclists-thomas-prehn/