Racing Advice FAQ

A collection of advice on triathlon related topics you may find useful in your own practice or events.

Index:

Cycling on steep downhill courses
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topic 3

Cycling on steep downhill courses

Source: Steve Herriman

Question: I expect to encounter some steep descents in the Mallorca half-Ironman. Do you have any advice?

Steve replied:
“The descent is very technical with a large number of very tight switch backs, so the general advice is to ride well within your safe capabilities.”

General tips are:-

Descend quickly when the road is straight and you can see how sharp the corners are ahead
Brake before the corner not when you are going around it
If you have not reduced you speed enough before the corner and need to brake again then straight up the bike, brake hard then continue cornering
Do not cut the apex of the corner on the tight switchbacks these are usually rough and very steep and can throw you off balance
Take the corner in the middle of the road so you have a bit of road to drift into if you need it
Be aware of cyclist over taking you so keep a straight line and don’t do any sudden switches across the road
Be aware of the road surface, broken up tarmac, wet patches or gravel

Topic 2

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Topic 3

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