The Classics are all but over, the days are getting longer, and the temperatures are rising. This means that the high mountains are going to play an increasingly important role in stage racing. Long climbs set the stage for some of the most exciting racing in the cycling calendar as the riders struggle up the inclines, pain etched into their faces. But what goes up must come down, and the descent is arguably one of the best things about cycling in the mountains. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous aspects of our sport, as speeds of over 100km per hour are possible on some descents.
While here in the UK we’re unlikely to experience that sort of downhill adrenalin rush, there are still plenty of benefits that come along with excellent descending technique. Here are some quick tips to ensure you hit every descent just right.
Look Ahead
Just like when driving a car, you should always look ahead and through the corner you are approaching. Looking down at your front wheel affects balance and control, whereas keeping your eyes fixed on the road ahead promotes more fluid handling and far greater stability through the corner.
Brake Smart
It goes without saying that measuring speed is going to be fundamental to both safety and efficiency in cornering. Terrifying though it may appear to cycling newcomers, breaking in the corner is the last thing you want to do. You should only ever brake before the corner on straight sections of road. If you pull on the levers on the bend, you affect the traction, effectively reducing the tyres’ grip with the tarmac and far increasing the risk of the bike slipping out from under you.
Brake early and shave off all the speed you’ll need to navigate the corner with your hands off the levers.
Positioning
It takes quite some practise to get used to the sensation of leaning into the turn, but in reality, your momentum and rolling resistance should keep you upright unless you’re very unlucky (or you pull on the brakes). As you ride through the corner, you should plant your weight on your outside pedal, with a low centre of gravity, hands on the drops and elbows down.
Keep Your Line
If descending with a group, it’s important to give them space and stay alert to obstacles in the road as well as those around you. When you’re descending a long climb with plenty of hairpins, you should be mindful of braking on the approach to corners. Give the rider in front of you plenty of room in case they brake suddenly or swing out unexpectedly. The last thing you want is to be the cause of, or get caught up in, a high-speed crash.
Rolling Resistance
There’s not much you can do kit-wise to improve your ability to descend efficiently and safely, but one thing that can do your increase your confidence as you fly down the mountain passes is to fit your wheels with a great set of tyres. Continental are the industry leaders in bike tyres, producing durable, fast and exceptionally grippy shoes to wrap your rims. The Ultra Gator tyres are reinforced to resist punctures and improve the tyre’s longevity, though they are a little heavy. The company’s flagship tyre, the pro-approved Continental GP4000s, is significantly lighter without compromising on grip and rolling resistance.
