5 moves that make marathon racers faster

Laurin Lehner

· 18.06.2016

Photo: Robert Niedring

5 moves that make marathon racers faster

If you want to score points in the marathon, you not only need steam in your calves, you can also make up ground with the right riding technique. Riding technique expert Stefan Herrmann shows you how.

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To get faster in the marathon, there are of course a few tricks. Riding technique expert Stefan Herrmann shows you which manoeuvres will get you ahead.

1. overtaking

If you want to get to the front of the field, you have to overtake. To prevent this from becoming dangerous, you should follow a few rules and wait for the right moment.

2nd step uphill

If you put your front wheel on an edge and pull the rear instead of dismounting, you stay in the flow and save time. This is how it works.

3rd gravel curve

A little too much lean angle - and it happens: ratchet, bang, crash. Stefan reveals how to master treacherous gravel bends smoothly and safely.

4th step downhill

This is where the beginners separate themselves from the experts. Whoever masters the step in the race without dismounting is clearly ahead.

5. relaxed departure

Ideally, you should be able to relax while skiing downhill. However, Stefan knows that many people do exactly the opposite.

That's how it should be: If you want to attack, you should feel superior to the rider in front. Only start to overtake if you are sure that the rider in front of you will not run into you immediately because you have run out of breath after sprinting. Also very important: only overtake if the situation allows it and you do not run the risk of causing the rider in front of you to fall.

The right time: A wide road is perfect for overtaking. You should have enough space on the trail and make sure that the handlebars don't get in each other's way and that you can still ride on firm ground. Important: Avoid high grass! Because you never know what's hiding underneath. Before you start to overtake, say out loud: "Coming from the left." In principle, you should only overtake on the left (see picture above), just like on the motorway. The command is clearly defined. That way, the car in front knows what's going on. Some people only shout "left" or "right" - this leaves the person in front in doubt as to whether they should swerve to the left or right, or whether they are being overtaken from there. If you feel technically superior on singletrail descents, you should definitely mobilise your strength again before the descent to get to the trail entrance before the rider in front of you. Then overtake from the outside. TIP! Wait for a favourable spot and then overtake decisively. It's worth overtaking before long singletrail descents. Especially if you are technically experienced.

That's what counts: If you can lift your bike over the obstacle instead of dismounting, you not only save time but also get a mental boost. To lift the front wheel onto the root field or step, you should be able to take the weight off the front. This works with the manual impulse. How does it work? Bend your legs and arms first and then stretch them dynamically, shifting your weight backwards (see images 1 and 2).

How to get over the step: Start with enough momentum, because you will need it. 1. your crank position is horizontal. Just before the step, go down and immediately afterwards stretch your legs and arms dynamically.

2. as soon as the front wheel is on the step, you must switch quickly. Now it's time to lift the rear over the edge. This works with the help of a spirited hip swing to the stem. Result: The rear becomes light. Timing is important here. If you tighten the rear too late, the chainring will get caught on the edge.

3. once you are at the top, immediately pick up speed again. As soon as the rear wheel has made it over the step, you should start pedalling again.

TIP! Practise the move on a kerb and fine-tune your timing. The two movements should result in a flowing movement. Approach higher steps slowly and make sure that the chainring does not touch down.

12 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

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Laurin Lehner

Editor

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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5 moves that make marathon racers faster

Laurin Lehner

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