Over the last few months I've had the opportunity to observe a fair amount of corner diving in my bike races (yesterday more closely than I cared for). I've learned that corner diving is a skill that must be perfected. Here is a list of techniques that I've observed that lead to the ideal corner dive:
1. The Approach: Accelerate along the inside of the pack as close to the curb as possible. This will assure you properly execute two essential components of the CD: Late start to your turn and a larger turning radius. These two components guarantee that you swing wide once you are able to start you turn.
2. The Turn: As you approach the turn make sure that your saddle is in line with the handle bars or front wheel of the rider to your outside. Proper alignment will assure that the riders to your outside will be forced to follow your wide turn even if they were on a good line to begin start. Also, if you happen to bump another rider you are unlikely to crash as the outside rider will be behind you.
3. The Follow Through: As soon as possible after the turn yell 'Hold your line!' as indignantly as you can to deflect attention/blame from yourself.
These techniques are most effective in a dense pack within five laps of the finish. Before you try these skills in a race be sure to practice them on your local team group ride, they are sure to make you as popular with your teammates as they will with your competitors.
Please note these instructions are based solely on observations and should be undertaken at the riders own risk.
5 comments:
Ahh, the fine art. While watching the Giro yesterday, I noticed some rather similar behavior, a close cousin if you will, known as gutter charging. Said GC resulted in poor unsuspecting fellow getting driven into curb @ 55 KPH. Mr.GC continued on his merry way. Such a risky sport at times. One must define his area with sharp elbows, big shoulders, and back wheels as much as possible.
OMG - This is great!
How are you feeling today MB???
friggin hilarious. i remember a mentor at one of the fremont early bird crits talking about this and saying he's made people pay for it. he wouldn't say exactly what he did though...
Racing with the youngin's on Sunday, several attempted this move.
Normally, I let them go and just cruise up next to them after and explain the dangers and offer a lesson in physics post-race (and I don't mean the I am 190 pounds, you are 140 pounds, do it again and I will kick your ass lesson).
But, on this particular day, on the next to last corner, a CD attempt was made, with the all too familiar prelude "ON YOUR RIGHT".
To which I promptly responded "Not smart, you will end up on the curb!" and hammered two pedal strokes to maintain proper handlebar position in front of this retard.
I'm gettin' real tired of it! But, a very good friend of mine once said to me..."Be nice to the retards".
Out
Thanks for the tips. I really find the form in that photo to be top notch.
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