Who doesn't know this: You're out with friends, accelerate downhill and then it gets tricky – the wheat separates from the chaff in the curves. With the right technique, most of the time can be won here, be it in a fight against the clock or in a duel with the rest of the field. Who the gas right on the curve could be shown can let go, picks up more speed on the following straight and thus also saves energy. How to curves correct drives, we would like to try to bring you closer in this article.
The goal is easy to define: to drive through the curve with more speed and thus save energy and time.
Perfect technique is best practiced on trails you know. Here you are familiar with all the peculiarities of the route and can concentrate 100 percent on the respective curves.
In order to work on your technique, you should first look for a suitable curve or combination of curves. In the second step you should try to close the curve read. You should note the following points:
- 1. What is the shape of the curve, how much grip does the curve give
- 2. Are there roots, larger rocks or holes
Once you have an overview, you can take the next step and choose the basic speed for your training.
There are no fixed rules for cornering, since each driver has his own individual style. But there are a number of tips that can serve as a guide.
Cornering begins with the start: A relaxed posture with tension in the trunk and legs gives you a comfortable feeling on the trail. You should also drive into the curve with this feeling. It is important that you brake before and not only in the curve. This allows you to define your basic speed right from the start and gradually increase it. In addition, braking in corners shifts the balance too much to the front, which usually leads to the front wheel slipping away.
// The posture
Both arms and legs are slightly bent when entering a turn. Once you're in the corner, the pedal on the outside of the corner should move down, and the pedal on the inside of the corner should move up. This way you can balance your bike better. In order to counteract the centrifugal forces that occur, you stretch your outer leg almost completely, but leave reserves to absorb possible blows. In contrast, bend the knee on the inside of the curve strongly. It is the same with the poor. However, the outer arm should be strongly bent and the inner arm should be stretched. You automatically shift your body's center of gravity towards the handlebars. However, it is important not to overdo it snap off, otherwise you will no longer be able to correct any driving errors in an emergency.
Depending on the speed and angle of the turn, you will lean inward. Here it is important that you remain consistent. Don't let yourself be unsettled, pay attention to your balance and keep your hips over the wheel at all times.
// The line of sight
Another essential factor when cornering is the line of sight: Before entering the bend, your gaze should already be on the apex of the bend. As you start cornering, your gaze should keep moving towards the next section of the route. Don't look at your front wheel, just ride proactive. The following applies: The wheel follows your line of sight in its movement!
During the training you will quickly notice how you are making progress. If you fall, don't give up - because no one has ever gotten faster without making mistakes!
//Overview of the individual training steps
- 1. Read curve
- 2. Approaching the curve with tension in the trunk and arms
- 3. Look toward the vertex
- 4. the outer pedal goes down, the inner arm is almost completely stretched out
- 5. Hip is centered over bike
- 6. in the curve, the next section is targeted
- 7. at the exit of the curve you slowly straighten up