How To Sprint | Racesmart

Racesmart is a series in partnership with British Cycling aimed at racing cyclists. Dial in every aspect of your sprint and go for the win!

Sprinting isn't just about your maximum power. It's a (believe it or not) delicate blend of positioning, timing, and measuring your effort throughout the race.

Daniel Lloyd and the British pro peloton show you how to get it right.

Let us know your sprinting tips below.

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic summit of the Stelvio to the epic trails of Fort William, Scotland, everywhere there is pavé or dirt, world-class racing, and pro riders, we will be there bringing you all the action, essential analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year.

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Leave us a comment below!

Music licensed by Cue Songs

[kachimozie]

"avoid risking life and limb, and especially your $5000 bike"

In that order.

[christianideryd]

Great tips! I am a sprinter in our team so every tip to win races is worth like gold :)

[thatswhatsup]

Could you guys talk about rocking the bike on sprints and climbs in a future video!???

[trustworthy]

not a serious cyclist but I can tell you when you're overtaking someone in other sports you should try to stay around 85-90% and save that last 10-15% if they are trying to catch up and are about to. this is when you boost ahead with that last 10-15% and take that last wind out of their sails....or you realise you bit off more than you can choose and you still have some energy left to keep pace.

[olliesmith]

2:29 is that Matt Stephens leading a bunch into the finish and then fading off the back?

[anibaljesusdelgadillo]

This information is crucial in understanding the sport of cycling.

[Ewane]

Thruxton Circuit is the one featured in the video.

[jordimaxwell]

What is the best position of the gear when sprinting?

[ShermanSitter]

"Risking life and limb and especially your 5 grand bike" - the word "especially" reminds me of how obsessed we all are. :)

[baboy]

hi GCN can you share your breathing techniques during cycling?

[echtogammut]

Whatever you do, don't follow the Yowapeda guide to sprinting.

[abhimanyu]

Would like to see a video on how to rock the bike from side to side while sprinting/climbing..
Global Cycling Network  any possibility?

[stefandjukelic]

What is thaht specialized previal helmunt looks like is have some aero cover?

[myless.]

this still hasn't told me how to sprint.

[CyclingChannelIndonesia]

GCN : may I make a similar video as you created, but the Indonesian version . maybe we just took this course some of the techniques

[HoangMinh-hjyz]

I'm an 80 kg sprinter, my bike is about 8.5 kg, and I can sprint about 45 km/h. If I lose some weights, can I sprint faster?

[Surroundx]

Given identical road/weather etc. conditions, is your top speed much greater on an expensive bike than on an entry-level bike?

[EatSleepTrainSmart]

Crank length largely determines your sprinting performance.  If the cranks are too long, it's impossible to get low enough for a fast sprint.  The lowest, most aerodynamic rider tends to overall be the fastest sprinter.  The optimal crank length also makes it easier to recruit the largest, most powerful muscle in the body- the gluteus maximus.  This is mainly why Mark Cavendish wins so often despite being at such a huge weight disadvantage.  I owe all of my podium finishes to having the optimal crank length because at 137 pounds, a rider my size would normally lose at dead flat courses/sprints, but since I can get my chest to the handlebars, I can drastically reduce my drag and hit very fast speeds.  Whenever I fit competitive cyclists on their bikes, crank length is the first thing I focus on and I determine it accurately through mobility/ flexibility tests and not trial and error.

[cipher.u.justice]

Dan on a Dogma with Bont shoes just like Wiggins in 2012 ;)

[Drpepperuk]

Anyone think that Daniel Lloyd looks like Gordon Burns from the Krypton factor from the late 80's?? :-) lol