Competitive bicycle riding. Trying to go faster.
Questions tagged [racing]
211 questions
45
votes
7 answers
Why is it easier to follow a cyclist up-hill
Watching the Tour de France on TV I notice that the riders like to ride close behind other riders when going up a steep hill.
I understand that rider can benefit from a slipstream on the flat section, but on a climb the speed is so slow, the…
Ken
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26
votes
2 answers
Why don't Tour de France riders always ride their TT bikes?
When the tour riders are doing time trials, they ride their super aerodynamic, aggressively positioned bikes for maximum efficiency.
However, on normal stages, there are many cyclists who could also benefit from the greater aerodynamic efficiency.…
Mac
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15
votes
6 answers
Do I stand any chance in a race?
Unfortunately, I know I'll be at a disadvantage in racing because I haven't been able to find or create a team, as all of the other people I know who are into cycling are men. I weigh 146 lbs, and my bike weighs 19 lbs. I can sustain 18 mph on my…
RW98Coppi
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12
votes
3 answers
What are the "monument" races?
I heard recently that Simon Gerrans of the new Green Edge cycling team had won one of the monuments. What are these races?
Anthony K
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11
votes
4 answers
Why do riders not take advantage of other riders misfortune
Today on the Tour de France, Vincenzo Nibali attacked while Chris Froome was having mechanical difficulties. According to the commentators and Froome himself, that's something you just don't do. Apparently it's seen as unsportsmanlike. Where does…
Kibbee
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11
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3 answers
When Mark Cavendish says he's sprints at 1500 watts how long is that for?
In an interview with Cycle Sport, Cavendish said he puts out over 1500 watts of power.
“You’d be surprised at my watts,” Cavendish says.
“Most people who say that their maximum is 1,600 watts won’t put out
1,600. My maximum is 1,580, and that is…
user95786
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10
votes
5 answers
Why are there no team breakaways in road racing?
I've watched the Tour de France for the last few years, and I'm beginning to think I understand the basics of the tactics and strategy. But one question has just struck me:
Why don't team breakaways happen?
The teams have radios so such a move…
onestop
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9
votes
2 answers
Are neutral service bikes actually useful?
In the races I've watched, occasionally a rider who has suffered a mechanical will be given a neutral service bike to continue racing on. I always wonder if this does any good because the rider never seems to make it back onto the peleton or…
gusmally supports Monica
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9
votes
2 answers
Getting started in racing
What should I know before I start entering races?
I've been cycling for one year now after an injury ended my running career so I'm still pretty much a beginner. I'd like to try my hand at racing but I've noticed there is quite a lot of etiquette…
Greg B
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8
votes
5 answers
Hill climb Time Trial pacing strategy for short steep hills?
There are several hill climb events in my area towards the end of the year, from august onward. Most of the hills are no longer than 0.8km long and well above an average 6% gradient. The main ones I will be targeting are three climbs ranging from:
…
user95786
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8
votes
3 answers
What skills must cyclists master to succeed at racing?
In addition to power, stamina, endurance, what skills must you master to succeed in professional cycling?
Kevin
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7
votes
2 answers
I'm a CAT 4 racer, will I be suspended from racing by UCI / USAC if I participate in non-sanctioned races?
I'm not a pro, just a CAT 4 racer with a USA Cycling License. Can I be suspended and fined by UCI / USAC if I participate in non-sanctioned races? I've heard they are cracking down on licensed pros racing in non-sanctioned races, but does this apply…
Benzo
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6
votes
2 answers
Are you required to cross the finish line on a bike?
Suppose you get a flat 100m-1km (or some distance that you can sprint/run) from the finish line. Can you leave your bike and run the remaining distance to the finish line? Or are you required to carry your bike while running? Or are you required to…
Jet Blue
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6
votes
2 answers
Tips for getting sponsored as an individual racer?
I'm currently racing a state XC MTB series and will be moving up to Cat. 2 next year. As part of my goals, I'd like to get some sponsorship for the 2014 season. I have a few questions about this though, and I'd love to hear from racers or industry…
Aaron
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6
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3 answers
How does one become an official for bicycle races?
What's the process? Are there classes? Fees? Do they get paid, or is it voluntary?
Edit based on comments:
I was hoping to get an overview of the process that wasn't based on any given country assuming that the ultimate goal was to eventually…
jimchristie
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