It’s Tour season! And between the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift there’s plenty of epic racing action to get you feeling inspired to get out there and ride. Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing some tour-inspired tips to help you get out there and Adventure More.
HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE RIDING IN A BUNCH
3 TOP TIPS FROM STOLEN GOAT RACE TEAM RIDER JACK FOTHERGILL
Tour season got you feeling inspired to dip your toe into the local racing season? For many of us, the main thing that makes us nervous about getting involved with road and crit racing is the prospect of riding ‘in a bunch’ – i.e. getting up close and personal with other riders. Jack Fothergill from the SG Race Team shares three quick tips to help you build your confidence.
Tip 1: Start with your local group ride
If you’ve tended to be more of a lone Goat when it comes to cycling, a great way to build your confidence before you jump straight into the fast-paced bunch riding you’ll experience during a race is to get the basics down by regularly joining your local group ride. Here you’ll get to practice riding on the wheel and cycling 2-abreast at a slightly more leisurely pace.
Tip 2: Communication is key
When you’re riding in the bunch, communication is key. It’s down to the riders sitting on the front to make the group aware of any potential hazards (such as potholes, pedestrians, traffic etcetera). But it’s also important that riders sitting in the pack stay alert. These communication skills are another thing you can practice at your local group rides.
Tip 3: Work on your bike handling skills
Great bike handling skills are a must if you’re riding fast in the bunch. Getting some rollers and practicing with a wall (or something to grab on to next to you) is a way to fast track your bike skills – riding on the rollers will naturally help to build your technique and balance.
Stay tuned for more tour-inspired tips over the coming weeks, and don’t forget – until 30th July we’ve got some special savings to celebrate the tour:
SPEND £100+ SAVE £20: USE CODE TDF20
SPEND £200+ SAVE £40: USE CODE TDF40
SPEND £300+ SAVE £60: USE CODE TDF60