When it comes to riding faster, it’s easy to think the smartest way to get there is to ride hard all the time by doing endless speed sessions. That will help; but it will only get you so far, if you don’t have the basics dialled in with your riding technique.

“What’s the benefit in gaining speed if you have to slow down on every sharp turn?”

Because what’s the benefit in gaining speed if you have to slow down on every sharp turn? Or if every technical mountain-bike descent brings you dread? Or you’re left in the dust on the group gravel ride at the base of the first significant hill?

Key Cornering Techniques

Cornering isn’t just turning – it’s an important skill requiring good use of body position, braking control, line choice and terrain awareness, whether you’re riding on the road or the trail. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll be. Mastering this skill will make each ride more enjoyable, and safer overall.

Brake before the turn

• On the road, braking mid-turn increases the risk of skidding and crashing. Use both front and rear brakes before entering the corner, especially on descents or wet surfaces. Practice feathering the brakes (light, quick taps) instead of squeezing them hard.

Look where you want to go

• Your bike naturally follows your eyes. Direct your gaze through the turn, not down at your wheel. This is especially critical on technical climbs with switchbacks. If you’re riding a mountain bike, focusing on a point two to three metres ahead of your front wheel will help give you time to find the right line. Practise moving your gaze up and down the path ahead. Your body will follow.

Shift your weight and lean the bike

• On the road heading into a corner on a descent, get into the drops for better front-wheel pressure. Bend your elbows, keep the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down. Tilt the bike, not your body, and counter-steer by gently pushing with the inside hand. Press into the outside foot and hand to maintain traction on the tar.
• On the mountain bike, similar principles apply. But instead of being in the drops, bend your arms to keep your centre of gravity low. This will help keep you stable and planted.
  

Aim your line for the inside of the turn

• On the road, follow an ‘outside-inside-outside’ line. This is essential for reducing your turning radius and preserving speed.
• Enter the turn wide, go into the apex tight, and exit wide (without crossing the centre line).

Techniques for Better Climbing

Very few cyclists are great at pedalling fast uphill from the jump. But developing this skill will definitely provide better pacing, less fatigue and less strain. The more you seek out different elevation profiles, the better. You can use apps or local club suggestions to vary your climbing terrain.

Handlebar position and breathing

• On the road, stay on the hoods or the tops of your handlebar. If you climb in the drops, you restrict your breathing. Also, keep your upper body relaxed, as any extra tension will lead to wasted energy.

Stay seated when possible

• Climbing while seated is more efficient, especially on long or moderate ascents.

Master your pacing

• Break the climb into thirds for more consistent power and better finishes. (Most modern GPS head units have a function that shows the climb on the screen, for easy reference.)
• Go easy for the first third, moderate for the second third, and hard for the final third. This will prevent you overcooking the initial ascent and fading near the end of the climb.

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