How can I get better at cross country mountain biking?

9 tips for taking your XC MTB racing to the next level

1. Practice the course.
2. Make sure to fuel and hydrate before and during the race.
3. Don’t arrive at the start line cold.
4. Get off to a flying start (but remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint)
5. Pace to perfection.
6. Taming technical descents.
7. Time your overtake to perfection.

How do I get in shape for mountain biking?

Here’s how to start training to get in shape for mountain bike season.

1. Tackle Interval Training.
2. Add Endurance Days.
3. Don’t Forget Your Upper Body.
4. The Hardest Part: Maintaining Technical Ability.
5. Get Your Bike Tuned and Fitted.

Does running help with mountain biking?

The truth is my schedule doesn’t always allow me to get the time I need in the saddle and running is a pretty good way to build and maintain endurance for mountain biking. Trail running is also a good MTB substitute on days when the trails are too wet for riding.

How many days a week should I mountain bike?

These types of rides are very taxing both physically and mentally so you want to limit them to 1-2 times per week. If you race I like to have one of those Hard Rides be on the same day of the week you usually race on to acclimate your body to that weekly rhythm.

How many laps are in Olympic mountain biking?

Olympic mountain biking schedule The course is a 4km lap with 150m of climbing. It hasn’t been specified yet how many laps the riders will be completing, but it is expected to be between seven and nine laps.

How long do mountain bike races last?

For XCO races, it is usually a mass start where riders are required to complete a certain number of laps (depending on their category) of a course that is usually 4-10kms. A XCO race would normally be about 1.5-2 hours.

Are hardtail mountain bikes making a comeback?

Hardtails are making a comeback. More trail friendly builds are finding their way into shops every year. They’re a real alternative to expensive and maintenance-intensive full suspensions, or for people who want a purer riding experience.

How bad is riding a hardtail?

Hitting a good size pothole when the bike is unbalanced can really upset the bike and the rider. The only really bad thing about a hardtail, which is not unsafe, is it will beat you to death. You better have a strong back and some good kidneys for a long ride.

How to train for a cross country mountain bike race?

Cross country (XC) is a different category, and there are a few different things to keep in mind when thinking about how to train for XC mountain bike racing. In XC racing, the start is very important—every MTB XC training plan should include specific training to get the strongest, fastest, most powerful start possible.

How to prepare for an MTB XC race?

In XC racing, the start is very important—every MTB XC training plan should include specific training to get the strongest, fastest, most powerful start possible. While the race may last for 90 minutes to two hours, getting a burst at the beginning ensures you are in a front-running position when the trail narrows to a single track.

Which is the best YouTube channel for mountain biking?

The Global Mountain Bike Network is the best MTB YouTube channel, with videos for everyone who loves dirt: from the full-faced helmet downhill mountain biker to the lycra-clad cross country rider along with everyone and anyone in between.

How to train for an endurance mountain bike race?

This bike training program focuses on power intervals and climbing repeats mixed in with longer endurance rides. These are designed to build cardiovascular endurance for long days and tolerance for climbing, while at the same time teaching the body to recover between efforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNLhjTqvR1E