January 01, 2008
5 STEPS TO BECOMING A BETTER CYCLIST
Today we'll talk about how to become a better cyclist. As with the sport of running or most other popular sports for that matter – anybody can pretty much do it. So it's HOW we do it that makes all the difference. Below are the 5 steps to becoming better at cycling recommended by Dr. Romanov. Follow these and ride like never before!
- LEARN HOW TO PEDAL. It is obvious that you have to learn the cycling technique first. Pedaling is the most important part of cycling technique. Everybody can pedal, so the way to be ahead is to learn how to pedal correctly.
- LEARN DIFFERENT WAYS OF PEDALING. Once you get the basics of the pedaling technique, it is very important to learn to do it with high and low cadence, going faster, going slower. It is also of paramount importance to learn how to switch gears. An art form of it's own, it will require some serious learning, but when integrated correctly with the rest of your efforts, it will make for one smooth, controlled and powerful ride.
- START FROM SHORT DISTANCES, GRADUALLY INCREASE. As with running technique, it is recommended to start from short distances when first learning how to cycle. Once you will feel more comfortable, you can slowly increase your training distances but don't overdo it. Never ignore fatigue, when you feel it – stop training.
- LEARN TO CYCLE IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. Practice cycling with change of direction – practice turning left and right and making a U-turn. Include different speeds – ride faster and slower. Do it uphill and downhill, on various terrain. And the last but not least - practice cycling with a headwind, tailwind and side wind.
- LEARN TO RIDE IN A GROUP. If you're planning on making cycling a part of your training regimen and your competitive racing, you need to learn how to ride in a group. There are rules and regulations and all violators are disqualified and ousted. Since a little mistake can take out the entire group, the rules are strict and are diligently enforced.
Article by Dr. Nicholas Romanov
Composed by L. Romanov
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