Tips from Tim Johnson’s Austin Cyclocross Clinic

From The Radivist is coverage of Tim Johnson's Austin cyclocross clinic. It's super helpful to read and follow along with the pics. Find the full post and pictures here.


Just the tips:
-Your weight should be off the saddle at all times, unless you’re recovering.
-When you’re not pedaling, you should be coasting with your dominant foot forward, ass off the saddle, elbows bent, sitting forward with your head up.
-Don’t wear cycling caps while racing – if you’re in the attack position, they just block your view. When your helmet is on properly, it blocks enough sun.
-You should learn to “float” off your bike, allowing your legs and arms to compress and absorb any uneven terrain.
-Your weight should be on your feet, not on your ass.
-When going down hill, or around turns, your position should be neutral. Not too far forward and definitely not too far back.
-Learn to “pump” your bike out of hills and turns. This is known as “free speed”.
-Stand up out of turns and sprint to make up for loss of speed.
-Take the outside to outside line in a turn, not the inside to inside. This way you don’t have to slow down as much.
-Look at MTB racers for riding position precedents, not road cyclists who are concerned with being “aero”.
-Most importantly, ride trails / singletrack on your cross bike. Learn how to lean in and out of turns. Ride aggressively and fast. Learn your bike’s limitations… You should feel like you’re always at the tipping point around corners. Sometimes that means RUBBER SIDE UP!

Again, great coverage from The Radivist.