I'm just to slow!

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

See this thread for more info: http://www.cyclingforums.com/t367994.html

After three races in my first season, I have myself a major problem. That is, I'm to slow!

Let me elaborate. So far this I've managed to alright. Nothing special really. While I got dropped in my first race I managed to come back in the second and thrid, which was today, with a respectable 10th out of ~25 riders. While in my second race I was happy with this performance, this morning I was a bit disappointed considering I went in with hopes of improving. Sadly this was not to be. This is where you fine, helpful folks come in :).

What I've noticed is that I don't have the speed/strength to keep up with the front end of the peloton in the closing laps. As the speed and intensity picks up in preparation for the final lap and inevitable sprint finish I find myself struggling to hold a decent wheel. I realise that I'm doing better then the 15 or so guys behind me, but this isn't enough. What I want is to be able to hold onto the leading riders and keep with them long enough to have a chance in the sprint. In my previous two races I know I've lost them coming into the final turn, about 150m short of the finish.

What I'm looking for from you chaps and chapettes is advice. Anything would be great. Training advice or race tactics would be especially helpful. Should I keep doing my intervals or is there something more I should be doing? Thanks for reading :)!

See this thread for more info: http://www.cyclingforums.com/t367994.html

After three races in my first season, I have myself a major problem. That is, I'm to slow!

Let me elaborate. So far this I've managed to alright. Nothing special really. While I got dropped in my first race I managed to come back in the second and thrid, which was today, with a respectable 10th out of ~25 riders. While in my second race I was happy with this performance, this morning I was a bit disappointed considering I went in with hopes of improving. Sadly this was not to be. This is where you fine, helpful folks come in :).

What I've noticed is that I don't have the speed/strength to keep up with the front end of the peloton in the closing laps. As the speed and intensity picks up in preparation for the final lap and inevitable sprint finish I find myself struggling to hold a decent wheel. I realise that I'm doing better then the 15 or so guys behind me, but this isn't enough. What I want is to be able to hold onto the leading riders and keep with them long enough to have a chance in the sprint. In my previous two races I know I've lost them coming into the final turn, about 150m short of the finish.

What I'm looking for from you chaps and chapettes is advice. Anything would be great. Training advice or race tactics would be especially helpful. Should I keep doing my intervals or is there something more I should be doing? Thanks for reading :)!

I had the same problem and then I started training one night a week with semi-professionals and would just practice drafting them at 45 to 50kph... I improved dramatically. Then the training group disbanded and my times started to drop as well.

Practice makes perfect...

I don't know how I can improve now without training with faster riders...

Training alone or with slower riders is not going to help you with drafting at high pace, saving energy, or making death defying last minute attacks..

You could just try and break away yourself before the last lap to put more pressure on yourself and not worry about failing for a few races...

Push yourself...

Do you think your fitness level is at a or near a peak when you race?
Do you think you over train and may need a break?
Do you do other exercises besides riding to improve strength and endurance?


I found that I didn't know how to win until about my 5th or 6th race and more than a year of riding...

Take some faster pills. That'll help. And, try holding on to cars. Or, just ride a motorcycle in the race if they'll let you. Sometimes the officials don't notice.