Sand Riding Tips From The Pros
Posted on 10/29/10
Like the infamous dunes at the Koksijde World Cup cyclocross course in Belgium, the famed Boulder Reservoir course is known for its wheel-sucking sand. The 2010 Colorado Cross Classic has two sand sections that will surely play in major role in all race outcomes. But don’t let the sand intimidate you. Instead use these tips from some of North America’s top pros to sand blast your competition.
Todd Wells (multi-time national CX champion and 2004 Olympian)
There are two ways to deal with sand. You can power through, but that doesn’t always work for me. Or if lines develop in the sand, and if you can stay in those lines, you can practically coast through while someone outside those lines will have to put out a huge amount of effort to go half the speed you’re going.
Katie Compton (multi-time national champion and World Cup winner)
It’s all about power, skill and balance. The stronger you are the easier to get through sand. There’s no secret trick. You just have to power through and keep the bike going straight. You can’t come in slow. Coming in you have to accelerate and hit the sand going fast. If you don’t hit it hard you are not going to make it through.
Georgia Gould (2008 Olympian)
There are a lot of variables. Sand isn’t just sand. It depends on how wet or dry, how long, if there are turns. That’s what makes the Boulder Reservoir course unique. The bottom line is that you need to figure out what works for you in warm-ups, not the race. I usually try a couple strategies, see what works best, and then stick to the plan during the race.
Jeremy Powers (five-time CX race winner in 2010)
Bring as much speed as you can, and if it’s faster to run then run. If you wait and bog down then it’s a lot slower.
Pete Webber (2009 Colorado State Champion and Colorado Cross Classic Course Designer)
Be confident and aggressive on the approach and through the sand. Pedal with power throughout the section. No coasting. Accelerate before the sand so your entrance speed is as fast as possible. The extra momentum will help carry you through. Keep your weight back and let the front wheel float, even as the sand grabs your wheels and your body wants to get pitched forward. Expect your line to snake back-and-forth a bit and don’t over-correct steering errors. Try to follow skilled riders and match their speed and technique. Don’t follow lesser-skilled riders. If they make a mistake, you’ll be caught behind.