Bike Racing Strategies

Part 1 of a three part series dealing with road and mountain bike racing strategies

Summarization of strategies taken from the USCF Level 2 coaching manual

Bike racing season is in full swing. I thought I would post some useful information for those new to the sport. Even if you have years of experience racing you will find this useful information. It's always good to review your tactics and strategies.

Bike racing involves technical skills, specific racing skills and tactics to be successful. The strongest rider does not win based solely on strength but also must rely on a sound strategy. The outsider might observe a race as highly disorganized but in reality there is a well thought out plan that is happening.

It is important to note there is a difference between tactics and strategy. Tactics are a maneuver, such as an attack out of the bunch, to achieve a separation from the attacker and his opponents. A strategy is the overall plan a rider uses to achieve the goal of the race. Race strategies employ multiple tactics to achieve the goal.

Cycling is said to be a "sport of circumstances". For your tactics to work it depends on how you react to a given situation. Your strategy should include the following:

• course profile
• race distance
• type of event
• last kilometer to the finish
• 200 meters to the finish
• distance to the last corner ( if applicable)
• competitor (quantity and quality)
• team presence
• locations of feed zones ( if applicable)
• weather
• fitness level and teams ability to follow a strategy

The Eight Principles of Strategy

1. Element of surprise
2. Energy management
3. Complete execution of tactics
4. Adaptability to change
5. Risk taking
6. Calculating tactics
7. Capitalizing on your opponents weaknesses
8. Race your strengths

1. Element of Surprise

Create a situation in which you surprise your opponent that will eventually lead to your opponents demise. This may be sprinting or attacking from a distance that your opponent might not think you would go from. The competition might know a particular plan will be employed the timing is what will catch them off guard.

A specific tactic as dropping back from the rider(s) you plan to attack and getting a "running" start is another element of surprise. The element of speed will get you the gap and also your competition might hesitate waiting for other riders to take the initiative. Other places to surprise your opponents are at the crest of a hill, a headwind, a corner or when others are fatigued.

Anytime you can cause a rider to close a gap and waste their energy to catch back on then the attack was well planned and executed.

2. Energy Management

You should be as economical as possible at all times. Your energy resources are limited. Do this by:

• using the smallest gear possible
• maintain an effective plan for recovery after each effort

Make sure that all your energy expended benefits you or your teammates. One aspect I see is when a rider takes up the chase to close a gap bringing along the whole group. You should attack the group to bridge the gap or let another team do the work.

3. Complete Execution of Tactics

Many riders will not complete a tactic. Once they initiate a planned tactic they might not continue because of a lack of confidence. Use the course and conditions to execute a tactic to your advantage. For example:

• if you're a good climber attack during the most difficult part of the climb
• sprinters need to be in position before the last kilometer either on a teammates wheel or a competitors for a lead out.

Focus on a successful outcome of your efforts. Do not over analyze because this can prevent you from executing your tactic by indecisiveness. Things happen quickly in a race and you must decide immediately whether to implement a tactic.

4. Adaptability to Change

Situations in bike racing constantly arise that cause your strategies to become ineffective. Adaptability is a key necessity. For example: You may make a jump early in a sprint, say 2 km out, but do not succeed. You must then be able to adapt your strategy to hopefully recover and find a wheel of a good sprinter to bring you to the line. You may want to continue your sprint, however, towing your opponent to the line in hopes of getting a good placing.

5. Risk Taking

If the tactic has less than a 50% chance of succeeding then this is a risk. If it catches your opponent off guard then it is worth a chance to take it. Even if it doesn't succeed your opponents will be on guard for that move the next time you race them. They might let you go and this time it is a winning move.

6. Calculating Tactics

When racing look at the big picture. Will your opponent not want to chase you because you have attacked at a distance that he thinks is to far from the finish to succeed. In a sprint you may calculate, based on your knowledge of your opponent, whether opening up a small gap might be to much for your opponent to close by the finishing line.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, along with what your opponents know of you, is a big part of bike racing. Know how to bluff and know how to recognize a bluff.

7. Capitalize on Your Opponents Weaknesses

In this day of technology, you can discover many things about your opponent through the media and the internet. During a race can be a time to pick up on some of your opponents strengths and weaknesses.

By attacking, you may be able to tell who is suffering. Listen to your opponents breathing, bike handling, and consumption of fluids and food to learn of their race condition. Some riders are highly predictable when fatigue sets in. Open up small gaps to make them close it down to make them expend energy. Knowing an opponent can't sprint from a long distance might be a time to "take a flyer" hoping they are unable to close a gap.

8. Employ Advantages

Know your strengths and your teammates. Use effective tactics that take advantage of yours and your teammates strengths. Always race your strengths. Learn what tactics for what situation work the best for you and against your opponent.