Excellent information. I especially like the idea that if you're on someones wheel you're as fast or faster than that person so pass them. Betting on yourself and pushing very hard through the first 2 minutes also great tips!
Nate, Jonathan is totally on point with his advice. You're using far too much force out of each corner. I can see it in your low cadence. One of the tricks with XC is to use high cadence pedaling to reduce torque output, especially during the first hour. This reduces muscular fatigue and gives you significantly more punch over the final 20-30mins of the race. You're target is to ride FASTER than the riders around you, using the LOWEST power possible. It's the polar opposite of training. Efficiency is everything. You needed to be FAR more aggressive overtaking on the flat sections, where you have a power advantage. If you catch a rider, you are faster. Immediately pass them. Do not hesitate. Yell 'rider' early to give them warning. Then call your pass side etc. XC races are often won and lost in the first 2mins. Never grid at the back. Always be early to the line. I simply have time on my Garmin to remind me how long to hold the start effort. Start like a madman, hold an intense and hideously painful effort for 8-13mins, then settle in to your fastest sustainable pace till the finish, when it slows down. Think of it as a brutal 10min V02 Max effort followed by very high Sweet Spot / Threshold for the remaining time. Good luck with the next race.
This is exactly my issue - inefficient cornering. My fitness is far superior to most of my friends but I'm a much newer rider so work way harder on the trails due to my inexperience. Great tip about the high cadence!
Ketzal Sterling What you have prescribed might be a perfect fit for Jonathan, but I’ve had success more often letting the pack do their thing for 5-10 minutes, then start rapidly picking off riders by maintaining maximum efficiency in cornering / line selection within 15 minutes. That said, there have been courses where I knew we’d funnel into technical single track almost immediately, forcing a hard effort to avoid the domino effect of being stuck behind less technical riders. On cadence - that too can depend on the individual. There’s some interesting studies that demonstrate different people have different physiological efficiency.
Single speeders tend to be very tough and a bit crazy, they're usually excellent bikehandlers and are well used to contact with other riders. Buzzing their wheel will be ignored and may induce retaliation. Asking nicely may or may not work - probably not. At least you got a good wheel to follow and maybe got a bit of recovery. Best place to pass is on an uphill - they will accelerate like heck on a downhill to bring as much momentum as possible into the up and then gradually run out of speed. They'll be all over the trail so be prepared for some shouldering on the pass. Get in a low gear and spin like heck. Some of my best races have been where I screwed up the start and put it in TT mode to gradually pass people. The podium will be long gone though. As always, depends on the passing opportunities on the course and whether you expect to be competing for the podium.
Just found your video. You've highlighted all the things I've been doing wrong in my short XC race career to date. Great advice that i will apply to next race in a few weeks. Thanks so much.
One thing not mentioned here, and I'd like expert thoughts on this. My experience is that if you're not really warmed up, that is, you haven't already gotten your heart rate high, even gone a little anaerobic, in a warm up ride just a few minutes before the start, you are going to go into the red real quick in the race at the start. If you have warmed up, you can survive the first 2-10 minutes better.
I would love to see a graph on tire pressure for rider weight recommendation. I'm a solid 212 pounds dry. I'm addicted to these videos. Just found the channel.
Iceman 2019 messed up everyones drivetrain, even ted King had to drop out. I like this shake down of the race BTW. HIs heart rate is right around 180, what's his max?
This was a huge help, I was looking for something after my race yesterday. I went out fast and had a great start.. (in top 4-5) but around the 4 min mark was trying to settle in and just didn't feel like my HR was coming down at front group pace... so I let up a bit and lost a lot of spots... got some back, but not as many as I'd like. (9th of 26) Would you hold true to going hard for the first 10 min even in a cat 2 race (about hr 15 to 1hr 30 finish times)? I will try in future races to make passing a priority early in the race. Typically now, my inner voice always says it's a long day and I won't win in the first mile. To avoid getting tangled up or blowing up... I can't win in the first mile, but my lower level of aggression/urgency could be LOSING the race in that first mile.. by dropping to far out of striking distance. I'll try to be more aggressive early going forward!
Nate, what was your tire choice for that race? Looks like DHF on the front? Are you changing out for this weekend with the drier conditions and to what tires?
Nobby Nic front and Rocket Ron rear. Both 2.3. I use these tires for loose over hard up here in Reno. I could probably do Aspens or Racing Ralph/Ray on this course but I'm kinda lazy so I'll use these tires :-D. -Nate
Explosivity and being able to recover/settle in is something that is definitely trained through progressions within your plan and specific workouts. :)
Buzzing tires is a no go. There’s a lot of adrenaline at that point. If a rider “intentionally” buzzed my tire I’d “intentionally” gutter them into a tree. A negative action will never net a positive reaction. Use your words, intentional contact is always a garbage move.
PlayingBikes - Spot on. I’m as alpha as it comes, and an apex right-fighter SO I’ve learned in an adrenaline filled XC, with many dogs like myself, buzzing tires is an ignition point-on the track and at the finish line. Besides, who needs a bad rep in a small sport. Certainly, when cranking at max, nobody wants to back down or give way-rather it’s better to be vocal, respectful and direct with a rider ahead on single track. At 6’3 185, I can be a load to pass myself, and I’ve experienced many riders who’ve earned my respect by not demanding I yield, but rather asking I help us both find a safe opening at race pace. All that said, of course there’ll be that zero sum, rage riding, dog kicking, clueless weekend “Pro”- which makes the laugh all the better when he blows up. Yup, I love that Karma thing. Cheers.
A rider buzzing my rear tyre or shouldering me to get past, sorry that person gets binned into a tree or off the track - what rubbish advice and very disrespectful racing. If the person is faster they will get past you as the person being passed should be aware of lead riders coming up/etc. Normally a quick shout to go "left" or "right" split second off line by me and lead riders by. If for race position then is both man for themselves to fight out position in polite way not "right can't get past buzzing thier tyre & shoulder them out the way" which is what you are suggesting sorry what rubbish.
Take them out, some of us have to work the next day! Chill ask and pass,! This is a friendly sport, don’t put people off, you won’t have anyone to race!!!
“Rub tyres!” don’t be that person, what if that person is deep in their own race!, or your in a mixed categories and lapping someone! Irresponsible comment!
bigwigvideos agree! Get out the way! but advocating potential crashes is not a good thing, we are not a contact sport! No pro MTB race or national championships have I ever seen or experienced this kind of tactic although I only race across Europe!
@@bigwigvideos Exactly, if somebody wants to pass let them pass. I quickly learned this lesson in my first XC race a few years ago, I got passed by so many riders that by the end of the race I thought my name was On Your Left.
I think Nate should get used to falling on a mountain bike. It's not as bad as on a road bike and is part of the the sport. I fall almost every other race, sometimes more than once. Just do not hit a tree.
More XC race analysis and tips please.
We'll keep em coming!
Excellent information. I especially like the idea that if you're on someones wheel you're as fast or faster than that person so pass them. Betting on yourself and pushing very hard through the first 2 minutes also great tips!
Nate, Jonathan is totally on point with his advice. You're using far too much force out of each corner. I can see it in your low cadence. One of the tricks with XC is to use high cadence pedaling to reduce torque output, especially during the first hour. This reduces muscular fatigue and gives you significantly more punch over the final 20-30mins of the race. You're target is to ride FASTER than the riders around you, using the LOWEST power possible. It's the polar opposite of training. Efficiency is everything. You needed to be FAR more aggressive overtaking on the flat sections, where you have a power advantage. If you catch a rider, you are faster. Immediately pass them. Do not hesitate. Yell 'rider' early to give them warning. Then call your pass side etc. XC races are often won and lost in the first 2mins. Never grid at the back. Always be early to the line. I simply have time on my Garmin to remind me how long to hold the start effort. Start like a madman, hold an intense and hideously painful effort for 8-13mins, then settle in to your fastest sustainable pace till the finish, when it slows down. Think of it as a brutal 10min V02 Max effort followed by very high Sweet Spot / Threshold for the remaining time. Good luck with the next race.
I'm going to do this Sunday! To the top of the first climb is about 10 minutes.
This is exactly my issue - inefficient cornering. My fitness is far superior to most of my friends but I'm a much newer rider so work way harder on the trails due to my inexperience. Great tip about the high cadence!
Ketzal Sterling What you have prescribed might be a perfect fit for Jonathan, but I’ve had success more often letting the pack do their thing for 5-10 minutes, then start rapidly picking off riders by maintaining maximum efficiency in cornering / line selection within 15 minutes. That said, there have been courses where I knew we’d funnel into technical single track almost immediately, forcing a hard effort to avoid the domino effect of being stuck behind less technical riders. On cadence - that too can depend on the individual. There’s some interesting studies that demonstrate different people have different physiological efficiency.
Thanks for the dirt content! This and the previous enduro analysis series is gold!
really good video. You guys should put more like this for mtb. Excellent information.
Give us more XC videos
Single speeders tend to be very tough and a bit crazy, they're usually excellent bikehandlers and are well used to contact with other riders. Buzzing their wheel will be ignored and may induce retaliation. Asking nicely may or may not work - probably not. At least you got a good wheel to follow and maybe got a bit of recovery. Best place to pass is on an uphill - they will accelerate like heck on a downhill to bring as much momentum as possible into the up and then gradually run out of speed. They'll be all over the trail so be prepared for some shouldering on the pass. Get in a low gear and spin like heck. Some of my best races have been where I screwed up the start and put it in TT mode to gradually pass people. The podium will be long gone though. As always, depends on the passing opportunities on the course and whether you expect to be competing for the podium.
Great advice!
People with 20/20 vision be like “so this is what it’s like to need glasses”.
Just found your video. You've highlighted all the things I've been doing wrong in my short XC race career to date. Great advice that i will apply to next race in a few weeks. Thanks so much.
So stoked to hear it!! Go get 'em!
This is great info! I'm 58 and thinking about getting into XC racing. The tips will definitely help.
Loving the XC analysis. Please do more!
We're planning to!
I’m racing in a few hours....thanks this will help
Thanks again got me to the 3rd spot on the podium.....60/69 Masters class.
And now I’m at the 24 hours of old pueblo ...team “ Carney ride” going to race in a few hours ...wish me luck 🤪
Really helpful to a beginner (me). Thanks for the commentary and video. You guys are great.
Go in the front on technical parts. And some corners you can pedal i think.
We need more race analysis content like this. I learned sooo much!
One thing not mentioned here, and I'd like expert thoughts on this. My experience is that if you're not really warmed up, that is, you haven't already gotten your heart rate high, even gone a little anaerobic, in a warm up ride just a few minutes before the start, you are going to go into the red real quick in the race at the start. If you have warmed up, you can survive the first 2-10 minutes better.
More XC please. Love the Race Analysis vids and I would love to see more XC/MTB analysis.
Thanks TrainerRoad
I would love to see a graph on tire pressure for rider weight recommendation. I'm a solid 212 pounds dry. I'm addicted to these videos. Just found the channel.
Good stuff! I’m new to MTB racing and I picked up a ton on this video.
Love the xc content. Greetings from Austria!
Chaz is always saving the day😂😂
thanks for the tips guys, this will be my first race of the year racing at TBF folsom ca. 2-23-2020 division sport 50+.
Right on!! Good luck out there :)
Awesome vid guys, definitely MORE mtb race analysis !!
Overall, this was mega! Much appreciate the food-for-thought tips and insights. Please consider a similar follow-up from the next race!
Glad you liked it!! We'll keep 'em coming :)
Love this type of video tips keep them coming please, you just gain a new SUBSCRIBER, thank you so much!
Thanks for the XC!
Holy heck that course looks tame even for a CX bike, looks like a blast
Great stuff! Thanks for the tips!
Really useful! Especially the 'first 10 minutes rule'. Definitely going to implement it
We're so glad our takeaways are something you can put to use! Happy racing :)
This is awesome, blessings from Puerto Rico
Iceman 2019 messed up everyones drivetrain, even ted King had to drop out. I like this shake down of the race BTW. HIs heart rate is right around 180, what's his max?
Thanks for making xc videos, greetings from Philippines!
Thanks for watching!! Warm regards from Reno, NV :)
This was a huge help, I was looking for something after my race yesterday.
I went out fast and had a great start.. (in top 4-5) but around the 4 min mark was trying to settle in and just didn't feel like my HR was coming down at front group pace... so I let up a bit and lost a lot of spots... got some back, but not as many as I'd like. (9th of 26)
Would you hold true to going hard for the first 10 min even in a cat 2 race (about hr 15 to 1hr 30 finish times)?
I will try in future races to make passing a priority early in the race. Typically now, my inner voice always says it's a long day and I won't win in the first mile. To avoid getting tangled up or blowing up...
I can't win in the first mile, but my lower level of aggression/urgency could be LOSING the race in that first mile.. by dropping to far out of striking distance. I'll try to be more aggressive early going forward!
I really enjoyed this video and found it very interesting, thanks.
Amazing, couldn't see anything but it was amazing.
Rain-X the camera lens!
See u there👍 this sunday
my first race will be on the 15th March . great tips
Wow incredibly helpful! Thanks!
This is great content, thank you!
Thanks for watching :)
I love this commentary
Love the MTB!!!
bruh that start tho
Nate, what was your tire choice for that race? Looks like DHF on the front? Are you changing out for this weekend with the drier conditions and to what tires?
Nobby Nic front and Rocket Ron rear. Both 2.3. I use these tires for loose over hard up here in Reno. I could probably do Aspens or Racing Ralph/Ray on this course but I'm kinda lazy so I'll use these tires :-D. -Nate
Some great advice :)
2020 vision bois
Jonathan with the MX tips on putting pressure by showing a wheel. If that doesn't work, make them a berm in the next turn!
Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
How do I train to hit harder from the start?
Explosivity and being able to recover/settle in is something that is definitely trained through progressions within your plan and specific workouts. :)
Buzzing tires is a no go. There’s a lot of adrenaline at that point. If a rider “intentionally” buzzed my tire I’d “intentionally” gutter them into a tree. A negative action will never net a positive reaction. Use your words, intentional contact is always a garbage move.
PlayingBikes - Spot on. I’m as alpha as it comes, and an apex right-fighter SO I’ve learned in an adrenaline filled XC, with many dogs like myself, buzzing tires is an ignition point-on the track and at the finish line. Besides, who needs a bad rep in a small sport. Certainly, when cranking at max, nobody wants to back down or give way-rather it’s better to be vocal, respectful and direct with a rider ahead on single track. At 6’3 185, I can be a load to pass myself, and I’ve experienced many riders who’ve earned my respect by not demanding I yield, but rather asking I help us both find a safe opening at race pace. All that said, of course there’ll be that zero sum, rage riding, dog kicking, clueless weekend “Pro”- which makes the laugh all the better when he blows up. Yup, I love that Karma thing. Cheers.
A rider buzzing my rear tyre or shouldering me to get past, sorry that person gets binned into a tree or off the track - what rubbish advice and very disrespectful racing. If the person is faster they will get past you as the person being passed should be aware of lead riders coming up/etc. Normally a quick shout to go "left" or "right" split second off line by me and lead riders by. If for race position then is both man for themselves to fight out position in polite way not "right can't get past buzzing thier tyre & shoulder them out the way" which is what you are suggesting sorry what rubbish.
Good stuff, thank you
Thanks for watching!
More xc more xc its great :) thanks
We'll keep it coming :)
TrainerRoad
Great analysis, Jonathan had some great tips. That start off the line... very disappointing Nate!
Take them out, some of us have to work the next day! Chill ask and pass,! This is a friendly sport, don’t put people off, you won’t have anyone to race!!!
He specifically said to ask to pass nicely a couple times and then if they ignored you start putting pressure on.
“Rub tyres!” don’t be that person, what if that person is deep in their own race!, or your in a mixed categories and lapping someone! Irresponsible comment!
@@stinkerseb595 it's a race. If you want people to be friendly then either let them pass when they vocalize, or stick to group rides.
bigwigvideos agree! Get out the way! but advocating potential crashes is not a good thing, we are not a contact sport! No pro MTB race or national championships have I ever seen or experienced this kind of tactic although I only race across Europe!
@@bigwigvideos Exactly, if somebody wants to pass let them pass. I quickly learned this lesson in my first XC race a few years ago, I got passed by so many riders that by the end of the race I thought my name was On Your Left.
I think Nate should get used to falling on a mountain bike. It's not as bad as on a road bike and is part of the the sport. I fall almost every other race, sometimes more than once. Just do not hit a tree.
Single speed in a XC race!🤦