MTB Slalom Riding Technique: How to do a meadow slalom: These are the skills that count!

​Two tracks, one slope, one winner. The meadow dual slalom is the simplest race mountain biking has to offer – and at the same time one of the most entertaining. No bike park, no shuttle, no problem. A grassy slope, a few flags, a timing system – and the spectacle is ready to go. Anyone who’s watched it once will want to have a go straight away. Anyone who’s had a go once will want to do it again straight away.

The great thing is: the barrier to entry is minimal, as is the risk of injury. Grass is forgiving. Even so, it’s not simply a case of whoever is boldest on the throttle winning. Because what looks simple at first glance quickly turns out to be a lesson in technique. It’s all about cornering – manoeuvring the bike, anticipating what’s ahead, and finding the right line on slippery ground. It’s about grip, which you have to work for. And it’s about accelerating out of the bend, which decides between victory and defeat.

And then there’s the bike setup. Tyre pressure, suspension settings – on a grassy slope, it pays to know your kit. After all, the difference between controlled drifting and an uncontrolled crash is often just a matter of a few PSI.

​The bike setup

Before you set off, it’s worth carrying out a quick technical check:

• Do the front and rear brakes work reliably?
• Have the tyres been chosen to suit the surface? A soft compound at the front would be ideal
• Selecting the correct gear
• Is the tyre pressure set to suit the conditions?

On dry grass, a slightly higher tyre pressure can help with quick changes of direction. In damp conditions, more grip is required. However, the correct setting depends on the tyre, your body weight and the condition of the grass. The tyre should not ‘burp’.

Driving technique matters more than raw power

On a short slalom course, just a few metres can make the difference between victory and defeat. Simply pedalling hard doesn’t automatically make you fast. It’s far more important to carry your momentum through the bends.

A good basic technique consists of several elements. Your gaze is already moving towards the next gate whilst you are passing through the current one. Approach bends from the outside, cut across at the apex and then open up again early. Brake before the bend if possible, rather than waiting until you are in the middle of the change of direction.

The most important technical tips at a glance

1. Looking ahead: Don’t look at the flag directly in front of the front wheel; look at the next line instead.
2. Braking before the bend: When leaning into a bend, the bike should remain as stable as possible.
3. Keep your body low: A low centre of gravity improves control and balance.
4. Keep your arms and legs relaxed: This allows the bike to work beneath your body.
5. Preparing to exit a bend: If you keep your eyes on the next goal from the outset, you can pick up speed more quickly.
6. Do not overdrive: Hasty steering manoeuvres cost you time and grip; it’s better to lean the bike into the turn.

The meadow slalom rewards a clean, fluid riding style. Whilst aggressive riding may look spectacular, it does not always result in the fastest time.

​These skills make you the favourite

• A flying start
• Precise cornering
• Skilful braking (timing!)
• Quick decisions
• Concentration
• Keeping a cool head in a head-to-head battle