A tip top round up
When learning something new, the general school of thought is to learn all you can from those who know better. In other words, learn from an expert. In the UK, unlike many other countries, we are gloriously spoilt for choice of expert in the cycling department. However, this plethora of pros makes gathering tips a tad complex.
So what would Cav, Wiggo or Hoy advise? Let’s see what the internet has to say…
Chris Hoy
Chris is all about focus and planning. He suggests that you focus on what you want to improve and develop a training plan around that. He also advises that you don’t try and go it alone. Find a cycling mate to do the training with you. That way you will encourage each other. Working as a team makes it easier to nail your nutrition too. After all, a healthy body enables you to achieve so much more. Having a cycling buddy will also enable you to find the best position for your body.
Bradley Wiggins
Bradley’s tips are more practical. Clothing and tyre maintenance tend to top his lists. Wiggo suggests that keen cyclists should ensure their tyres are pumped… to the right pressure. He is also a fan of the padded pant as is the author of this piece. As well as ensuring one’s posterior can go the distance, he advises that loose, flapping clothing should be kept to a minimum. Finally, Bradley suggests that you ensure you know when best to make your break.
Mark Cavendish
Mark is really the king of the sprint finish so if you are hoping for a personal best, what tips would apply? Mark has plenty of advice to offer but three top tips really make sense. Firstly, don’t go too early, make sure you have enough left in the tank before you go for the sprint finish. Secondly, commit to your effort. Once you decide to go, then go. Don’t doubt yourself. Finally, your gears are everything. Use them to your advantage. They could give you the edge you need.
Other top tips include:
Gauge the Distance: If you are going for longer distances on June 11, then divide the route up into sections. That way when you achieve each part you will feel a sense of achievement that will help you muster the energy to continue.
Keep it regular: watch your cadence. Keep it at a regular pace and you will achieve much more. If you rely on spurts followed by moments of rest they you will tire yourself out more rapidly than if you kept to a slow and steady rhythm.
Eat, drink and be merry: Make sure you take on enough water and food before and throughout the ride. If you are aiming for 50 or 70 miles, think about carrying some snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Fake it to make it: Wisdom says if the cars and lorries coming up behind you know that you know they are there, they seemingly more likely to make more of an effort when it comes to passing you by. So be and appear aware – keep checking (and be seen checking) for vehicles approaching you.
Beware of wind: The roads around Leighton Bromswold have a tendency to be somewhat windy. Being high up, it can be discouraging to find yourself pedalling into an unplanned for headwind. Assume that at least one part of your ride will see you toiling against such a headwind. All three of our top cyclists agree that being ready to be challenged by wind is key – no puns intended.
The main thing to remember if you are taking part in Bromswold Bike Fest is to have fun. We don’t care how fast you compete the course, we just want you to enjoy the ride. At its heart, Bromswold Bikefest is about raising money for two great charities that are dear to the village, and its friends’, heart: MacMillan Cancer Support’s Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and EACH. Please help to make a difference.
So what would Cav, Wiggo or Hoy advise? Let’s see what the internet has to say…
Chris Hoy
Chris is all about focus and planning. He suggests that you focus on what you want to improve and develop a training plan around that. He also advises that you don’t try and go it alone. Find a cycling mate to do the training with you. That way you will encourage each other. Working as a team makes it easier to nail your nutrition too. After all, a healthy body enables you to achieve so much more. Having a cycling buddy will also enable you to find the best position for your body.
Bradley Wiggins
Bradley’s tips are more practical. Clothing and tyre maintenance tend to top his lists. Wiggo suggests that keen cyclists should ensure their tyres are pumped… to the right pressure. He is also a fan of the padded pant as is the author of this piece. As well as ensuring one’s posterior can go the distance, he advises that loose, flapping clothing should be kept to a minimum. Finally, Bradley suggests that you ensure you know when best to make your break.
Mark Cavendish
Mark is really the king of the sprint finish so if you are hoping for a personal best, what tips would apply? Mark has plenty of advice to offer but three top tips really make sense. Firstly, don’t go too early, make sure you have enough left in the tank before you go for the sprint finish. Secondly, commit to your effort. Once you decide to go, then go. Don’t doubt yourself. Finally, your gears are everything. Use them to your advantage. They could give you the edge you need.
Other top tips include:
Gauge the Distance: If you are going for longer distances on June 11, then divide the route up into sections. That way when you achieve each part you will feel a sense of achievement that will help you muster the energy to continue.
Keep it regular: watch your cadence. Keep it at a regular pace and you will achieve much more. If you rely on spurts followed by moments of rest they you will tire yourself out more rapidly than if you kept to a slow and steady rhythm.
Eat, drink and be merry: Make sure you take on enough water and food before and throughout the ride. If you are aiming for 50 or 70 miles, think about carrying some snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Fake it to make it: Wisdom says if the cars and lorries coming up behind you know that you know they are there, they seemingly more likely to make more of an effort when it comes to passing you by. So be and appear aware – keep checking (and be seen checking) for vehicles approaching you.
Beware of wind: The roads around Leighton Bromswold have a tendency to be somewhat windy. Being high up, it can be discouraging to find yourself pedalling into an unplanned for headwind. Assume that at least one part of your ride will see you toiling against such a headwind. All three of our top cyclists agree that being ready to be challenged by wind is key – no puns intended.
The main thing to remember if you are taking part in Bromswold Bike Fest is to have fun. We don’t care how fast you compete the course, we just want you to enjoy the ride. At its heart, Bromswold Bikefest is about raising money for two great charities that are dear to the village, and its friends’, heart: MacMillan Cancer Support’s Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and EACH. Please help to make a difference.