Question: How can I drop a wheelsucker? In a recent 25-mile race, I was unable to do it and lost in a sprint. It was hard to take because I’ve beaten the guy handily in time trials. — Jim P.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Your question opens up the big area of race tactics. We haven’t gotten into this much at RBR. But because of the volume of mail I get with questions such as yours, I suspect we should address tactics more.
The short answer is to go so hard on hills that you drop sprint specialists before the finish.
Another option is to make him pull the last mile of the race by going slowly until he comes around, then latching onto his rear wheel. Or you could try to verbally shame him into pulling.
I recommend getting rid of your nemesis by going so hard on terrain that’s unfavorable to him that you get a gap. Then use your superior time trialing ability to stay away.
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