Climbing tips for all - How to climb like a pro!

Following on from our recent blog on ‘How to train for hills when you live somewhere flat!’, we thought it would be best to give you a guide on ‘How to climb like a pro!’. Here are our crucial climbing tips!

Pacing yourself

You may think you can overlook this section, don’t! The chances are that you have or will make this mistake at some point along the road, so listen up!

There are countless riders that have gone far too hard at the start of a climb, over extended and it has ended up costing them big time by paying the price on the later sections of the climb. Make sure you stay within yourself if you want to repeat these efforts, you only have a limited amount of fuel to use.

Having a power meter can make this section easily quantifiable as you can ride to the climb at a specific training zone. For those that do not have a power meter, you can use your breathing as an estimate for the effort you are putting out. Once your respiration gets laboured, you know that your time at that effort is on a countdown.

Do your homework. If you know the climb has a steep section, make sure you hold energy back for that part of the climb.

Fuel for the occasion

Climbing will mean that you are likely working harder therefore, you will also be burning your fuel stores much faster. Even if your ride is short, you should be making sure you are replacing the fuel you are using. This is even more important if you plan to ride back to back days.

Plan ahead with your nutrition. It is likely that it is going to be hard to take on an energy bar during the climb and you may not even see the benefit until the top. Make sure you eat 20 minutes before the bottom of the ascent and consider topping up with an energy gel whilst on the climb.

Watch your temperature

The majority of the iconic climbs are in hot climates and when you add in elements such as open exposed roads, slower speeds and a potential tailwind, you can really see your core temperature soar! When your temperature goes up, your power and performance will quickly start declining. Unzip your jersey, use water to pour over yourself and make sure you stay hydrated.

Gearing

Being forced to ride ‘overgeared’ at a high intensity is an awful feeling. Make sure you avoid your cadence (RPM) dropping below 80, especially if you have more climbs to come. Ensure you are well prepared for the climbs that you are doing and have enough gears to allow you to ride in comfort!

Focused Training

Normally cyclists fall one of two ways. They can underestimate the effort that specific climbs/events have or they can be apprehensive by knowing how hard it will be.

Structured, specific and focused training is absolutely crucial. The saying ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ is perfect for this situation. The correct training can have you perfectly prepared to breeze up the climb and smash any expectations that you have.

Working on your sustained power, muscular strength and climbing position are all key to success. The more you can practice these, the easier it will come when you are tackling the real thing.

Get in touch to allow us to help with your training and preparation with a free consultation. The impact of coaching can’t be overstated!

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