Training & Nutrition - Not getting dropped at the start

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Not getting dropped at the start

sspd3933
06-14-04, 11:48 AM
This is my first year in the expert mountain bike category. At the start of the race everyone goes out so incredibly fast. I usually lose site of the lead pack within minutes, it takes me about 30 to 45 minutes before I get settled into my pace. But by that time there is no way I am going to catch up. I usually get stronger as the race goes on. What can I do to stay closer to the pack to be competitive at the finish? Any training tips would be great. Thanks

bac
06-14-04, 12:36 PM
You really need to practice your starts. That means (after a warm-up similar to what you do befor a race) going full bore for the initial 10-15 minutes of a training ride a few times/week. This will get your mind, and body more acclimated to such quick starts. After the first 10-15 minutes of a race, the pack slows down, and starts doing more tempo work.

Good luck!
sspd3933
06-14-04, 02:32 PM
Thanks for the feedback, I'll work on that this week.

timmhaan
06-14-04, 03:09 PM
i just did my first road race this weekend, and the same thing happened to me. i got into my tempo only after i had been dropped at beginning. i never could catch up again. i was too worried about not hitting anyone or causing a crash that i didn't keep my speed up enough.