If you've been cycling for some time, or even if you're just starting out, you might want
to work on your climbing to help you keep up with your peers. So, here are a few tips
from GCN that will help to improve your climbing speed for that hilly sportive or group ride.
Gears
There is no shame in having small gears, or even a triple chainset if you want. Even the
pros will sometimes put granny gears on for the most extreme gradients. Having small gears
will enable you to maintain a comfortable and efficient cadence, even on the steepest
sections of climbs. This will save your legs, allowing you to stay seated for longer.
Pace yourself
Longer climbs are all about pacing. Don't be tempted to race others or go too hard at
the beginning of the climb. Save something, wait for halfway, and THAT's where you can
press on to the very top.
Recover
Recover when the gradient slackens. It's rare that a long climb has a steady gradient the
entire way. Some parts will be steeper than others. If there is a section which flattens
off slightly, then use this part to recover before the road kicks up again. If you have
other riders around you, then take advantage of their shelter on the flatter sections.
This will give you a faster overall speed up the climb without needing to expend any more energy.
Use a Garmin or similar GPS device and program your route in. Related to our last point,
a Garmin or similar GPS device can be a great way to make you faster on roads that you are
unfamiliar with. By plugging in your route before you set off, you will not only be able
to see exactly when the climb starts, but you'll also be able to see any flat sections
where you can recover. Additionally, you will be able to see when you are nearing the
top, helping you to judge your effort.
Position yourself
Position yourself well when you enter the climb to give yourself some 'slipping room'.
If you are in a sportive event full of riders, then try and make sure you're near the front
as you enter the climb. Often if you are stuck near the back, you'll almost have to come
to a stop as the group compresses when the speed slows, and the road narrows. Starting
the climb near the front will give you a clear view of the road ahead, and also allow you
some slipping room, where you can allow riders to pass you while still staying with the group.
Lose weight
Climbing is pretty much all about power to weight ratio, so if you've done all you can
to improve your power, then the next step is to try and lose some weight. This can be
from your body, bike or equipment.
Use a power meter.
Using a power meter in training and on the day of your event can really help on longer
climbs. Even with adrenaline flowing, you aren't going to suddenly be able to do 20%
more on the day than you could the previous week in training. Start the climb at a power
that you know you can sustain for the duration, and then, if after a third of the way up you
still feel fresh, start to nudge things upwards.
We've reached the top of the climb, and we're about to begin the descent. What are you going
to do? For more how to's, subscribe to GCN.