Every rider wants to be better at climbing on the bike and the way to do this is by hill repeats in training which will teach you to ride them more efficiently and faster!

Stay seated

This will help you save energy so find a rhythm and tap it out. Move hands to top of bars and relax them, don’t grip hard, this will open up your diaphragm allowing you to get oxygen in. Try not to rock around too much from side to side.

Keep cadence high

Aim for a minimum of 80rpm and adjust gears accordingly in anticipation of slowing so your cadence remains high as if you leave it too late you will struggle to change gear if going too slow. You can always change the rear cassette to a 28 or 32 tooth if struggling.

Pacing

Go at your own pace and ignore others, find a rhythm and tap it out. Keep mentally strong and don’t think about how far the top is. When you get to the top keep pushing over the top before you ease up slightly.

Know the climb

If there is a climb in an event then try and know the climb inside out so you know the steeper parts and when you can push harder or not.

Become ligher

Weight is a huge disadvantage when it comes to climbing rather than doing a flat TT. Every kg you loose will make it easier to climb and buying a lighter bike will make it easier! If you are riding a long distance triathlon be aware of the locations of the feed stations as you don’t want to climb a hill with 2 full bottles only to find there is a feed station at the top!

Happy climbing!