Bicycle Race Tactics
There's alot that goes into doing well in a bicycle race. Fitness, mental strength, equipment, course and tactics. I'm not a master tactition, but I've picked up a couple of things. I really don't think tactics are discussed enough, but it should be. How in the world do you teach new riders tactics. All they know is from pro racing, that the lead rider is protected by his team.
Weather you want to or not you are using tactics in every race you enter (and even some your don't). The tactic of not using a tactic (seeing how things play out, not taking an active role in the race) is the most often used tactic. But usually only yeilds moderate results or mid pack finishes. It's too easy to not make the right break or be cought out with this.
However, the well planned hidden rider tactic can be more effective. This tactic is one in which you blend into the pack. No one notices you and therefore doesn't perceive you as a threat. It's alot harder than it seems, as you can not wheelsuck otherwise you will be labled a wheelsucker and called out on it. But you can not pull too hard or climb too well, as that shows strength. Moderate pulls, steady climbs keeping in contact with the strong riders, but never really shineing is the key. Then at the right moment you make the defining move. Usually if you can do this with a team mate it'll work better. One of you launch an attack and try to break away. If the pack responds and reels it in, the other of you attacks.
Kinda similar to the hidden rider tactic is the drunken kung-fu tactic. This take elements if hidden rider and maybe exagerates a preceived weakness. This tactic can work for a strong rider, who is generally a marked man in the pack. The rider could very slightly fall off the back, only by a foot or two. It works especially well if the rider has a couple of team mates up front in the pack, and the rider is mid pack allowing a small gap to appear, only to have the riders come around to close the gap. Then once again, at the right moment the rider makes his move.
There's always the strong team tactic. Think USPS on the front of the peloton, stringing out the pack with a high pace controlling. Of couse this only works if you really do have a strong full team. Most amature races you may have only a couple of team mates racing with you.
I could (and will in the future) write a little more about cycling tactics. But the bigest thing about racing tactics, is that you have to be in control of your own race. Use your own racing style to your advantage and always race to win. What tactics do you know of, and are there other ways in which you can control your race?
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Tuesday 03/11/2008 | 10:26 am
GB on Tuesday 03/11/2008 | 11:34 am
Good points, but I'm usually pack fodder at best.
Have you seen/heard if Oxbow will have a SS/FG division this year?
Gunnar on Tuesday 03/11/2008 | 11:53 am
A singlespeed and/or a fixedgear division would be cool for the Oxbow Classic. As of yet I havn't heard about that happening. I brought up the fixedgear idea with Carl a year or so ago, but I don't think he cared for it much. He's not the organizer this year, but I do know who is so maybe I'll shoot off an e-mail to him and see if he's interested. I guess we'll see
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