Strategy Segmentation and Performance Outcome
Taken from the USCF level 2 coaching manual
For most the season is well under way. July is the half way point of most peoples summer season and a good point to take a break. A good time to look back at your previous races and determine what went right or wrong strategically. The following is an outline for "segmenting" and developing a race strategy. Also, an example of the impact on race results.
1) The start: On the line you should follow these steps:
a) Visualize the first third of the race
b) Mentally review the race strategy
c) perform a final check of equipment
2) First Third of the Race: During the first third of the race, keep as close to the general race strategy as possible, noting:
a) if opponents are riding predictably
b) if conditions are changing from the predicted
c) the "rhythm" of the race
d) the safest way to conserve energy considering the conditions
e) the general reaction of the peloton to the race plan
3) Middle Third of the Race: you should determine what tactics will need to be employed to "play" the strategy best using the following methods:
a) confirming all opponents evaluations are correct
b) confirming exploratory tactics have produced useful information
c) noting weaknesses of all opponents and teammates
d) confirming the strategy for the last third of the race
e) balancing riding "economy" with "testing" the race
4) Final Third of the Race: The race winning moves are made and the final groups are established form these procedures:
a) investing in moves but saving some reserve for the the finale
b) attacking or a series of moves to establish a place in the front group
c) chasing dangerous attacks
d) putting pressure in the front group to select the final front group
e) setting up the finale
5) The finale: The race is down to a final group as the race enters into a distance where the final results are dependent upon a limited number of tactics or maneuvers.
This requires:
a) extreme focus on completing the tactics or full commitment to each maneuver
b) taking better calculated risks( more precise risks than in the middle of the race )
c) taking advantage of the the weaknesses of the riders in the finale
d) Final investment: all your saved energy goes into a concerted move to win
6) The Sprint: The " short game " that determines the final places in the group goes beyond the economy of the race. It is where the contenders go into debt by:
a) evaluating the last kilometer from the standpoint of conditions and judging opportunities
b) forming a sprint strategy but allowing for possible changes
c) limiting the possible changes by controlling the speed of the run in
d) limiting the positions by riding to one side of the racing surface
e) selecting and riding into the position you have strategically planned for
f) Action/reaction: as the group comes to the finish there will be two attacks. One attack will initiate the sprint and the final acceleration to the line. It is important to take a risk to command the best position. The second attack will be the final kick and you must be ready to give it that finishing kick. The final move you must be ready and go ballistic to some point past the finish.
This is an outline for a race to finish in a sprint. There are other scenarios that happen in bike racing. This was emphasized because most races finish in a sprint.
For most the season is well under way. July is the half way point of most peoples summer season and a good point to take a break. A good time to look back at your previous races and determine what went right or wrong strategically. The following is an outline for "segmenting" and developing a race strategy. Also, an example of the impact on race results.
1) The start: On the line you should follow these steps:
a) Visualize the first third of the race
b) Mentally review the race strategy
c) perform a final check of equipment
2) First Third of the Race: During the first third of the race, keep as close to the general race strategy as possible, noting:
a) if opponents are riding predictably
b) if conditions are changing from the predicted
c) the "rhythm" of the race
d) the safest way to conserve energy considering the conditions
e) the general reaction of the peloton to the race plan
3) Middle Third of the Race: you should determine what tactics will need to be employed to "play" the strategy best using the following methods:
a) confirming all opponents evaluations are correct
b) confirming exploratory tactics have produced useful information
c) noting weaknesses of all opponents and teammates
d) confirming the strategy for the last third of the race
e) balancing riding "economy" with "testing" the race
4) Final Third of the Race: The race winning moves are made and the final groups are established form these procedures:
a) investing in moves but saving some reserve for the the finale
b) attacking or a series of moves to establish a place in the front group
c) chasing dangerous attacks
d) putting pressure in the front group to select the final front group
e) setting up the finale
5) The finale: The race is down to a final group as the race enters into a distance where the final results are dependent upon a limited number of tactics or maneuvers.
This requires:
a) extreme focus on completing the tactics or full commitment to each maneuver
b) taking better calculated risks( more precise risks than in the middle of the race )
c) taking advantage of the the weaknesses of the riders in the finale
d) Final investment: all your saved energy goes into a concerted move to win
6) The Sprint: The " short game " that determines the final places in the group goes beyond the economy of the race. It is where the contenders go into debt by:
a) evaluating the last kilometer from the standpoint of conditions and judging opportunities
b) forming a sprint strategy but allowing for possible changes
c) limiting the possible changes by controlling the speed of the run in
d) limiting the positions by riding to one side of the racing surface
e) selecting and riding into the position you have strategically planned for
f) Action/reaction: as the group comes to the finish there will be two attacks. One attack will initiate the sprint and the final acceleration to the line. It is important to take a risk to command the best position. The second attack will be the final kick and you must be ready to give it that finishing kick. The final move you must be ready and go ballistic to some point past the finish.
This is an outline for a race to finish in a sprint. There are other scenarios that happen in bike racing. This was emphasized because most races finish in a sprint.
No comments:
Post a Comment