TNW Tip of the Week: Cornering
We have a bit of a hot dog turn on our crit course this year, along with a roundabout and fortunately a couple of just plain normal corners. No matter the type of turn, extra traction can be gained by pressing more body weight on the outside pedal as you go through the turn while pressing down on the inside handlebar. Keep your center of gravity low.
Speed
Know yourself and what you can handle. Confidence goes a long way in taking you through smoothly and safely. Uncertainty causes tightness in the neck and shoulders, thereby raising the body’s center of gravity and decreasing control of the bike. Choose your line and move through it.
Vision
What you do with your eyes is as important as what you do with the bike. Look through the turn rather than at the turn. This line of vision helps in guiding the bike and holding your line. The photo to the right illustrates this line of vision, he’s looking where he wants to go.
Great big NO-NO #1
Speed up just before the corner to swing out wide and dive back to the inside. This is how collar-bones get broken.
Great big NO-NO #2
Slam on the brakes as you enter the turn only to jump on the pedals to regain lost momentum. The riders behind you may not brake fast enough. This is also a massive waste of energy.
Please DO
- Know your capabilities and anticipate speed before the corner.
- Watch the riders ahead of you and be ready to respond.
- Look through the line you want to take.
- Progress smoothly into and out of each turn.
Bonus
Once again I have partnered with Shadd Smith of Team Think!Finance to put Life Balance Sports Coaching on the road with you at Tuesday Night Worlds to give you practical application of Tip of the Week. Shadd is an excellent skills technician and race strategist. And he totally kicks tail on a bike. We will be bringing you information and skills instruction each week throughout the year.
