Training for the Triathlon? 5 Tips for Improving Your Bike Time

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When training for a triathlon, one of the most important things you can do is focus on improving your bike time. The cycling segment of the race can be an important opportunity and determinant of your overall time, so it’s important to make sure you’re as efficient and fast as possible on the bike. Here are five tips that can help you improve your bike time and performance in a triathlon.

1. Get Aero

One of the best ways to improve your bike time is to make yourself more aerodynamic. In order to do this, you’ll want to make sure you have a good road bike that’s designed for speed and efficiency. You should also invest in some quality cycling gear, like aero helmets and skinsuits, which can help reduce drag and improve your aerodynamic profile. You’ll also want to invest in lightweight race accessories, like carbon fiber wheels and ultralight racing saddles, which can further reduce your drag and improve your bike’s speed and efficiency.

2. Train Specifically for the Bike

In order to improve your bike time, you need to train specifically for the cycling segment of the race. This means doing things like hill repeats and time trials, which will help you develop the endurance and speed you need to perform well on the bike. You should also focus on developing your power and strength with weightlifting and interval training, as this will help you pedal proficiently and generate more power on the bike.

3. Hire a Coach

When it comes to getting better at something you’ve been working on for many years, you may not know what you should be working on. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. Consider working with a professional coach such as those at  Plan 7 Coaching. By hiring someone who focuses on biking, you are more likely to get the improvements you’ve been working toward without as much trial and error as is common with self-coaching.

4. Improve Your Dexterity

Another way to improve your bike time is to simply ride more efficiently. This means learning how to draft off other riders, using the proper pedaling technique, and making sure you’re adequately hydrated and fueled during your rides. Nutrition plays a critical role as well, so much so that many coaching facilities and companies have a nutrition coach on staff to help their athletes optimize their diets for peak performance.

5. Improve Your Bike Handling Skills

One sure way to improve your bike time is to work on your bike handling skills. This means learning how to corner quickly and effectively, as well as mastering the art of descending. By becoming a more confident and skilled cyclist, you’ll be able to ride faster and smoother, which will help improve your bike time.

Pacing is also important when it comes to bike handling – if you go out too hard, you’ll likely fade towards the end of your ride or race. So, it’s important to find a balance between pushing yourself, riding within your limits, and sparing critical energy for the times you’ll need it most. Remember, you still have a run to complete once you dismount your bike.

These tips are just the tip of the iceberg. Implement them and you’re sure to see an improvement in your bike time. For more comprehensive training and advice, consider working with a coach or joining a group ride or training program. With the right guidance and support, you can take your cycling to the next level and shave even more time off your bike splits. Good luck!

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