HOW TO IMPROVE ON DESCENTS

Now I tell you some useful tips to improve this skill, that sometimes, is underestimated. But just like the threshold, the VO2 max, etc., is a skill that can be improved if it is trained properly.

TIP # 1

When you are facing a bend, be careful to place the weight on the outside leg opposite the curve direction, positioned at 6 o'clock, and at the same time put more weight on the handlebars with the inner arm in the direction of the bend, opposite the leg doing similar work.

For example, if you have to face a curve to the right, you will have to place your weight on the left leg and on the right arm.

TIP # 2

Stay with your shoulders lose and not stretched like the strings of a violin: this will allow you to have more stability and correct any wrong trajectories, as well as make you a greater sense of security.

TIP # 3

Always look ahead, at the next corner, it will allow you to anticipate the action you need to perform (trajectory, braking, setting, etc.), avoiding unpleasant mistakes and always remaining on the piece. As a trick, you can use that to think of having a laser pointer that comes out of your eyes and that is projected on the road in front of you, drawing the ideal trajectory.

TIP # 5 If you know someone very good downhill follow him and try to copy his trajectories, you will see that you will increase your skill level. ​

TIP # 6

Playing with PC with famous car racing video games or watch Formula 1 GPs or motorcycles ( in which the drivers are masters of cornering technique can work.

TIP # 7

Take care of your aerodynamic, but without taking risky positions! This, on straights roads, can really make the difference, since the air resistance increases proportionally to the speed. So take positions that allow you (in safety) to reduce your CDA (coefficient of drag), decreasing the front surface and flattening the back as much as possible.

TIP # 8

The best way to improve downhill is to follow the advice above, but above all to EXERCISE !! As all skills are improved by practice, then you do and repeatedly repeat a descent concentrating on the points above, you will see that over time you will become better and you will be able to make descents faster and with fewer risks.

TIP # 9

ALWAYS WEAR THE HELMET !!! This is not a suggestion, but an obligation ... it will be taken for granted, but sometimes I still see people training without a helmet, fortunately increasingly rare. Now you just have to practice, AVOIDING TOO MANY RISKS, because the roads are open to the traffic and we are not in a race, so it is absolutely not worth to hurt yourself!

Matteo Cigala
Founder and Head Coach