First lap - Fight or Flight

First lap - The first lap of a cross is always crazy, you have to be prepared to commit and race over your limit to fight to make that front group, there's no time for mistakes. Hesitation is the mother of all f*ck ups and a quick dab or loss of concentration gives someone else the chance to get ahead.  If you're in front after the first lap of a race there's a good chance you will still be there at the end. This isn’t just a physical thing either, it’s a mental fight becasue the moment you start to think about others around you, or how your feeling then you have already lost. 

 You need to be explosive; fight for your space, and know that every single second counts. A moment gained early is a moment saved for later in the race. The first lap is always the hardest because the playing field is a little more even. Generally everyone is fresh, fast, and excited. The first lap of a cyclocross race is a chance to make an effort, but more importantly it’s a chance to get ahead early and be the first to recover before the second surge begins.

 It's very difficult to come back from a bad start in a cross race because everything is so explosive. Momentum is everything and if your 10th rider in, then your going to have to make numerous efforts to pass others whilst the front riders are already in their rhythm and riding their lines.

 You need to be in control of what you're doing. It pays to break down the course before you race, where can you pass if others make mistakes, where can you recover? Where can you make time? 

 What I learned, what I wished I learned earlier and some tips for you ;)

 

  • The first lap is the hardest

  • The first lap is a chance to take control of your race

  • The first lap is a chance to see others lines, to get ahead later in the race

  • The first lap is a chance to conserve energy, this sounds a strange one but by making that initial effort your saving energy for later in the race.

  • You are in control of how you react

  • The first lap is full of chances, if it doesn’t go perfect then don’t give in. Anything can happen.

  • Commit.Commit.Commit

 

Nikki BrammeierComment