Getting dropped is one of the realities faced by each and every cyclist at some point.  The feeling of watching the group ride away from you can be demoralizing, but it's also a great learning experience.  What caused you to get popped off the back?  Did you make a tactical error?  Did you crack physiologically and just couldn't stay with the pace?  Did you break a chain or cable?

In this short podcast, I'll give you a few tips to help you avoid getting dropped from your next group ride, race or gran fondo group.  If you want to learn how to stick with the group, this is the podcast for you!

Click through for the show notes and remember that the sponsor for this episode of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast is Stages Cycling.  Check out their power meters and help support the show, and don't forget to rate the podcast on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:24 — 29.5MB)

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*As a quick note, I go through a quick update about Tailwind Coaching and some of the reasons I've been a bit quiet lately, so if you want to skip through this, fast forward to 10 minutes in.

Tips to Avoid Getting Dropped (@10:02)

Tip #1: Keep your bike in working order:

  • Make sure wheels, hubs, brakes, gears are in working order
  • Consider having your entire bike overhauled at the end of your winter base mile season to ensure everything is in top shape and you won't be dropped by a mechanical
  • Examples of how a poorly functioning bike can get you dropped: forgetting to charge a DI2 battery (being stuck in one gear for a ride), breaking a chain, breaking a spoke, breaking a cable (brake or derailleur)
  • There's no excuse for getting dropped when your mechanical could have been prevented by maintaining your bike better (punctures happen, I know…)

Avoid getting dropped while cyclingTip #2: Do less work on the front:

  • Work on the front (in the wind) uses the most energy of any place in the group
  • Working on the front uses 33% more than the second person in the draft
  • You need to become adept at hiding behind/in the group to keep you from getting dropped
  • Diminishing returns: don't get stuck too far back – the accordion effect comes into play and you start burning a lot of energy to stay in contact

Tip #3: Save your matches for when you need them:

  • Use matches when you need them, not whenever you feel like it
  • Avoid making useless moves (in races especially): If the move doesn't result in you getting on the podium, don't make it
  • Avoid burning matches just to show you're “strong”, unless it's specifically a training ride meant to rack up training stress
  • Matches don't readily regenerate during a ride, so use them wisely

Tip #4: Know and study the route:

  • If you don't know what's coming, you'll burn matches at unnecessary times, leading to you getting dropped
  • You'll be able to use your strengths to maintain contact, minimize your weaknesses
  • Examples: if you are strong climber, save energy climbing and use it elsewhere, such as flats or descents, and if you're a strong descender, use it to your advantage (to put others in difficulty or just stay with the group after a climb)
  • If you're unable to study the route (or don't know it) find a rider that's similar in body type and stature to yourself and take cues from them

Tip #5: Don’t ignore your skills, such as descending, climbing, etc:

  • Strong climbers need to minimize the damage on flat sections (save your matches on the climbs to burn on the flats)
  • Strong descenders need to minimize climbing or other weaknesses (save your matches on the flats to use on the climbs)
  • If you've got good pedaling technique look to constantly maximize your efficiency, especially when sitting in the group

Tip #6: Remember your fundamentals:

  • Use ME and force to their fullest (avoid shifting and wasting energy, simply apply force to the pedals to match the group)
  • Practice pedaling efficiency in the group, especially (economy of movement saves significant energy when you are in the group, preventing you from getting dropped)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:24 — 29.5MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Building your fitness is in full swing since the sun started shining.   If you're finding your fitness lagging, you can pick from a ton of great training options in my downloadable training plan store, including my Unbreakable Core Stability module, my full season training plan and my advanced full season training plan.  You can also get a ton of great training tips FOR FREE, just by signing up for the Tailwind Coaching Newsletter.  You'll get my best coaching tips delivered to your inbox, along with a free bonus training plan, updates, and exclusive discounts!

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