Originally Posted by
Creakyknees
There's plenty of "how to train" coaching out there.
I still see a big gap missing "how to race" coaching. IMO the only and I mean only way to effectively coach a rider on "how to race" is to be there, in person, in the same race if possible.
Example: I know a rider who signed up with a great coach, remotely. Did the workouts, got super fit. Won a windy road race, solo. Yet he still can't get around a crit corner to save his life. Still spends most of the race sitting 3 feet out beside the group, in the wind. Still does the wrong kind of efforts at the wrong times for the wrong reasons. The remote coach can't see these mistakes, he's not in the race. A smart teammie could offer tips, if he had one.
Especially in the lower cats, I see it all the time - strong riders who don't get the results they deserve because of racing mistakes.
Hey now...don't get personal.
One thing I've never divulged to the team or anyone until recently, that rider most likely has a mild case of Multiple Sclerosis and half the time doesn't know if his bike is still under him or not due to phantom sensory issues. Hence the problems with corners and screaming downhills. Take nice straight flats where the eyes can easily override what the brain is telling, and go-fast-go. Started in 2001. Never known what its like not to be dizzy since then.
Try this: drink 2-3 glasses of wine and sign up for a crit. See how well the corners go
One other tell-tale: next time your behind the rider in question, notice the size of right leg vs. left. Most of the watts comes out of left leg. Right leg (and arm) don't work so well due to nuero damage in brain or spine, we're not sure yet. GLoven noticed it first three years ago. A few others have asked too. Lets just hope a wheelchair won't have to be employed anytime soon.