Sprinting is an integral part of racing both on the road and the track, with a large majority of races coming to a sprint finish, whether it be between 2 breakaway riders or as a bunch sprint. It is important for any cyclist to learn how to sprint if they want to achieve success.
The sprint is all about power and timing. You need to take into account other riders, distance from the line and your own limitations as a sprinter. Some sprinters can sprint from 300-400m out others are restricted to 200m or less.
Reading the sprint is an important part of sprinting. You need to know where the other sprinters are, who is the strongest in the bunch (hopefully you), who is a strong sprinter and who is going to go early. A good trick to find out who the sprinters are if you dont know the field is to check the legs and arse of the other riders, you can usually pick a sprinter from a hill climber.
The best case scenario is that you have a nice lead out from a team mate whos wheel you can come off at 150-200m from the line. but if that is not the case you will have to improvise... Look for a strong rider and grab their wheel, you may have to fight for it, but there is nothing wrong with pushing your way onto a wheel as long as its done cleanly and you keep both hands on the bars (it wont win you many friends if you arent clean).
Once the sprint is launched you must make sure you dont drop the wheel, if you do you have lost that slipstream and you wil start to feel the wind resistance, wait till you think its time to go and come around the rider in front, you will learn when the time is best from experience, but one srpint will be different from the next.
How to train for sprinting
Training for sprinting can involve Gym work and road sessions.
The road sessions should be no more than 2 sessions per week, any more and you wont have the required recovery for your muscles to heal. Gym work should be done 2 times a week max as well. On the road you should be sprinting at 100 percent, this should leave you needing about 5 minutes of easy spinning time to recover before your next effort.
How many sprints to include depends on your level of fitness.
No comments:
Post a Comment