Skills, not stunts
The word “tricks” in a racing context usually means race-craft: the ordinary but valuable skills that help riders use energy well, stay safe in a bunch and avoid mistakes. None of them is a stunt, and none is something to learn by trial and error in a race. Racing involves close contact with other riders at speed, so the best place to learn is with a club, a coach or an experienced rider, on a closed or quiet course, with a helmet and sensible protection.
This article describes five of the most commonly mentioned skills. Rules, formats and safety standards differ between events and sports bodies, so check the requirements of any event you enter. Nothing here is a promise of results; improvement depends on the rider, practice and conditions.
1. Drafting and riding in a bunch
Drafting means riding close behind another rider to take advantage of the shelter from the wind. In a bunch, many riders share that benefit, and the group as a whole can travel faster than a lone rider with a similar effort. The effect depends on the wind, the gap and the number of riders, so it is generally helpful rather than a fixed amount.
Practising it begins with a calm and steady wheel-following habit, which is described in more detail in the article on paceline riding. In a race the gaps may be small and the pace uneven, so the skill is staying relaxed, looking ahead and avoiding sudden changes. Tactically, riders try to be sheltered most of the time and exposed to the wind as little as possible, though what is sensible depends on the event.
2. Choosing a cornering line
Corners are where races are often won and lost, and where crashes frequently happen. A good cornering line is usually smooth, using the width of the road or course within the rules, so that the rider can carry speed without sharp steering or heavy braking in the bend. A common approach is to brake before the corner, not in it, then look through the turn, lean the bike rather than just the body, and begin to pedal again as the bike straightens.
Surface, weather and tyres all matter. Wet roads, loose gravel and painted lines can reduce grip, so a line that is sensible in dry conditions may not be sensible in the rain. In a bunch, cornering is also about predictability: hold your line, do not cut across other riders and avoid braking mid-corner without warning. Practise on your own at an easy pace on a quiet loop, building speed in small steps. A cyclocross course has its own demands, and cyclocross racing skills cover dismounts, mud and short, sharp turns in a separate article.
3. Positioning in the group
Where you ride in a bunch affects your energy, your safety and your options. Riders who are always at the very back may find it difficult to respond when the pace changes, and those on the edge may be exposed to wind or hazards. Riders near the front have more room but work harder. Experienced racers usually try to stay in a position where they can see, react and move without panic.
Good positioning is built from awareness. Look ahead for changes in pace, narrow sections, corners and hills, and plan your move in advance rather than at the last second. Move gradually, check around you and never push through a gap that is closing. Understanding how a bunch moves comes mostly from experience, so ride with a club, take part in group training sessions and ask experienced riders what they watch for.
4. Smooth braking and speed control
Racing is not only about going fast. It is about controlling speed with as little wasted effort as possible. Hard, late braking is tiring, risky and often unnecessary. Good racers anticipate, ease off the pedals early, use both brakes together in a controlled way and avoid causing a chain reaction behind them. If you must brake hard, do it in a straight line where you can.
A few drills can help, ideally with a coach: practising controlled stops from different speeds in a quiet, flat car park, learning how the bike reacts to front and rear braking, and practising looking up and ahead while slowing. A well-maintained bike also matters, so brakes, pads and tyres should be checked before any event, and a shop can help with repairs. If you want a more detailed look at emergency stopping, an emergency stop on a bike has its own treatment.
5. Pacing your effort
The final skill is knowing how hard to ride and when. Starting too fast is a classic mistake. A steady effort early often leaves more energy for the key moments later. Pacing is partly physical, a feeling for how your body responds, and partly tactical, deciding when to follow, when to rest and when to push.
Useful habits include eating and drinking regularly, choosing gears that keep your pedalling comfortable and noting how you feel on hills and into the wind. If you are new, start with shorter events, pay attention to how you feel and be willing to adjust. Bodies differ, and any training or nutrition plan should be built for you. If you have health concerns, talk to a doctor before beginning hard training.
Learning these skills safely
The most reliable route is to join a club that runs training sessions, or to work with a qualified coach. Cycling coaching can give feedback on technique and safe progression, and a group of regular riders gives you somewhere to practise.
Some practical points:
- Wear a well-fitting helmet and appropriate clothing, and follow the event’s equipment rules.
- Start in a closed or quiet area, with a gentle pace and plenty of space.
- Build up gradually, adding one new element at a time.
- Respect other riders. Races are not a place to take risks that endanger others.
- Accept that falls happen, and learn how to reduce risk rather than ignore it.
Competition can be great fun and a strong motivator, but it should never come before safety. Take your time, learn from people with experience and choose events that suit your level.