TIPS FOR NOT GETTING DROPPED ON THE BIKE

-Do less work on the front of the bunch
This is the number 1 rule.
It is a fact that the more work you do the less energy you have later in the crucial moment of the race. By being on the front, you consume, approximately, at least 30% more of your energy compared to the guys on your wheel. So the more you are in the draft of the group, the more energy you save. By being in the draft I am not saying to stay all of the way back in the bunch. It is important to be vigilant and stay within the first part of the group.
Also, by saying less work on the front I am not saying don’t do any work at all, but if you need to work on the front keep your turn short, quick and be smart.

-Have your bike ready and serviced
Sometimes we get dropped because of mechanical issue with our bike, which most of the time is because we did not take enough care of our equipment.
It’s therefore important that bike and components are always in good working order: wheels, spokes, hubs, chain, cassette, chain rings, breaks, tyres, gears, shifters, Di2 battery etc.
Have your bike serviced from your local bike shop every few months. It’s important and can avoid having ‘mechanicals’ and therefore getting dropped.

-Avoid making useless moves
Use your energy only when it is required instead of just using them to show off to your mates.
Chase only who you think can be dangerous and has a chance to win and can arrive on the podium. There is no point in chasing down a 1 man break especially when you know already that that guy won’t go anywhere by himself.

-Study the route of the race
Plan and know what’s coming and what is expected. By having an understanding of the critical parts/moment of the race you first make yourself prepared (such as positioning in the right place) as well as avoiding to burn your energy, which could be important later in the race.
By studying the route you can plan a strategy to suit your strengths and minimise your weaknesses. For example, if you are not a good climber but you are a good descender, and you know that there is a climb coming up, you can minimise that weakness by placing yourself at the front at the start of the climb. By doing that you can ride at your own pace that let you drift back to the group, for then try your best to go back to the front group on the descent.

-Pedal efficient within the group
While you are in the bunch, you can save lots of energy by pedalling efficiently and by moving up or down the group in a smart way.
By pedalling efficiently I mean using a cadence that is suitable and allows you to save your legs. 90rpm can be a good and efficient cadence for most people.
Sometimes riders get dropped because they did not pedal efficiently through the race and they climb with the wrong gears (whether it is too low or too high) and are unable to keep up the pace.
You can also move up and down the group in a smart way to save lots of energy. Staying in the draft of riders that are moving up can be a good way to make your way to the front, instead of sprinting on the right side. Also, by looking and knowing the wind direction, you can move up the bunch and be covered by being in the opposite side of the wind.

-Not training with a structure
Sometimes, getting dropped is a matter of a poor structure in your training.
A structure and a programme suitable to your needs can make a massive improvement on your performance. By doing the correct training you can overcome those weaknesses that make you get dropped, and be physically and mentally prepared to race and compete.

Matteo Cigala
Founder and Head Coach