Race Preparation: Road Racing Tactics

To fully appreciate the benefits of tactical maneuvers in road racing it is necessary to know certain other facets in order to execute your tactics to the best advantage. These will be dealt with here.

Know the Rules

A rider must be aware of the rules for reasons of safety and the resulting disqualification and/or suspension which may transpire. Most of the rules applicable to road racing and the rules of the road are common sense. Only on closed road circuits can you forget the rules of the road. General behavior should be good and riders should avoid conflict with other road users at all costs and even amongst themselves. Pay close attention to the flag symbols used. Avoid blatant obstruction particularly in sprints. Check the program for special instructions, particularly in stage races. In every case always read the program thoroughly.

Know the Course

Get to know all the hazards and all the hills, junctions etc. Check the course on a good map, 1” or 1/5” to the mile. If the course is a local one, train on it! At least once. If the course is away try to arrive in sufficient time to go over it in the car. In any case you must take a look at the finish. Keep a check on laps. Devise some way of doing this. Take in to account the affects of the wind and weather.

Know the Opposition

Early season can be deceptive. Riders of quality may not be going well whereas lesser riders may be ‘flying’. Study the program and note the riders. Pick out the danger men. Get to know their peculiarities, usual tactics etc. Read the results columns for ‘gen’ on riders. Be well informed.

Know How to Read a Race

Some riders learn quickly how to read a race. It’s no use saying “If only…” or closing the door after the horse has bolted. Ride well within yourself, go with the right breaks and be there at the finish. A good race reader has a good memory. He remembers all the details of the course, the opposition, the state of their fitness and he has confidence in his own fitness. He is strong willed and he is aggressive but he does not waste his energy. He applies himself to the job well.

Know Yourself

A rider must know himself and the extent of his capabilities. He must know his state of fitness and his coach should be able to tell him what it is. Find out the strong points; sprinting, climbing, flat out pursuit like riding etc. Work on weaker points. You will find that you probably excel in one aspect, be it only marginal. Make use of tactics which best suit your style and strengths. Only a rider who knows himself completely will obtain the full benefit from the tactical maneuvers available.

Tactics are covered within the Professional Cycling Package; check the web site for more details.