for those of us who are of the "smaller mass" variety and climb hills fast...
I have noticed since I started racing this year that I very rarely get passed going uphill on hilly time trials (I do pass people). I do get passed downhill though, and on the flats. Lots of riders are heavier than me.
In road races, the same thing tends to be true. I can create a rather large gap on a long climb, but if there is a long flat stretch after the downhill, it is more likely that I will get chased down.
Of course I am doing my best to increase my watts output so that I can hold them off as long as possible, but I am wondering if anyone has any technique suggestions regarding descending and flats using a regular road bike (not a TT bike). Most of the descents around here are not full of sharp corners so I almost never have to use the brakes. Basically, I am just trying to get as aero as possible in the drops, and pedaling as fast as I can if necessary on the downhills to add some speed. Drafting is not possible if you are in the lead!
Anyone have any suggestions for holding off the pack? (other than the obvious "increase your watts")
I have noticed since I started racing this year that I very rarely get passed going uphill on hilly time trials (I do pass people). I do get passed downhill though, and on the flats. Lots of riders are heavier than me.
In road races, the same thing tends to be true. I can create a rather large gap on a long climb, but if there is a long flat stretch after the downhill, it is more likely that I will get chased down.
Of course I am doing my best to increase my watts output so that I can hold them off as long as possible, but I am wondering if anyone has any technique suggestions regarding descending and flats using a regular road bike (not a TT bike). Most of the descents around here are not full of sharp corners so I almost never have to use the brakes. Basically, I am just trying to get as aero as possible in the drops, and pedaling as fast as I can if necessary on the downhills to add some speed. Drafting is not possible if you are in the lead!
Anyone have any suggestions for holding off the pack? (other than the obvious "increase your watts")