Cycling | Training | Endurance
Accelerating During a Climb
Tadej Pogača makes it look easy
In my Air Force days, I remember watching an F-15 Eagle fighter jet climbing vertically for the first time. The aircraft accelerated as soon as the pilot turned on both afterburners while flying straight up. At that time, it was the world’s only aircraft that could accelerate vertically.
A self-propelled cyclist can never approach the speeds of a fighter jet, of course. However, elite bicycle racer Tadej Pogača had no trouble working against gravity on mountain climbs in this year’s Tour de France. He used his speed and acceleration more than once to escape his rivals near the end of a stage.
While I am no match for an elite cyclist like Tadej, I climb hills faster as the riding season progresses. I believe these factors, among others, play significant roles in improving cycling performance:
- Adequate sleep — I can ride faster and farther following a good night’s sleep.
- Regular riding — After Minnesota’s long winter, I try to ride two or three times weekly on weekdays, followed by progressively longer weekend rides. Regular riding builds fitness and endurance.
- Good nutrition — Nutritious food energizes the body, helps build fitness, and plays…
