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Improving Corner Speed and Uphill Sprints

Question: How can I improve my acceleration out of corners and my standing uphill sprint? — Bert P.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: An overlooked key to blasting out of corners is anticipation. Be ready to stand and hammer as soon as the bike straightens up and the way is clear.

You also need to anticipate the correct gear. Don’t bog down in a ratio that’s too large or spin without power in one that’s too small. Choose correctly and it becomes a simple matter of smoothly sprinting up to speed.

As for uphill sprints to finish lines, correct gearing is important here, too.

If it’s a multi-lap event, you will have ridden the hill a number of times before the final sprint, so you should know what gear is best. If it’s a big loop road race, try to ride the hill during your warmup.

Things will be different when you reach the hill at the end of the event, but at least you’ll have an idea. And when you get there for the final time, be ready to quickly correct a wrong gear even while sprinting out of the saddle.

Just like you don’t wantbog down or spin too much coming out of corners, you want to find exactly the right finishing gear for your sprint.

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