Back To Basics - Cornering

British Cycling's Tom Buck shows how it's done

CORNERING may seem like an fairly easy thing to do on a bike, but in reality there are certain techniques all riders need to learn to glide around bends with precision and speed.

Perfecting cornering skills will enable you to come out of a corner on the correct side of the road so that you’re not in the path of any traffic.

But the real secret to cornering is to keep your speed going and to do so safely.

If you are cycling in a group, it’s important to drop back a little from the rider in front – unless you absolutely trust their ability.

Keep a close eye on the road surface and for things like water, loowe gravel or road lines – all of them will have an effect on the line you choose.

Visualise a line through all these situations, but if you cannot, reduce your speed before hitting the corner by feathering the brakes lightly. Make sure you tap each one gently to slow down without jamming down harshly otherwise you’ll lock you wheels and lose control.

One way of ensuring the correction cornering angle is to keep your head at right angles to the road. This tricks the balance mechanisms in your inner ear into thinking your body is still upright and helps prevent any possible disorientation.

1. Assess the corner well before reaching it, checking exactly how tight the bend it. Be aware of traffic in the corner and also any after it, and check whether the road climbs or descends when the road eventually straightens out.

2. As you get to the corner, look behind you to check on the traffic conditions. When looking over either shoulder there is an automatic tendency to steer in that direction; be conscious of this and try to avoid doing it.

3. If the traffic is clear, move towards the centre of the road - this position will allow you to take a straighter line through the corner. Now brake and shift to a gear that will enable you to accelerate quickly out of the corner.

4. Lean the bike into the corner. Keep your inside foot at the top of the pedal stroke to avoid catching the pedal on the road. Move your weight over your outside leg and point your inside knee into the corner.

5. Aim the bike to brush the inside apex of the corner, or on busier roads at a point just after it. This will ensure you do not end up too far out in the middle of the road after the corner.

6. Once out of the corner, straighten up the bike, stand up on the pedals, and accelerate away. If you have come out of the corner a little wide, move back in to the side of the road right away before you accelerate.

Tips from the Peleton
Keep your body low while you are in the corner. This lowers your centre of gravity, and helps the tyres to grip the road.

Do not brake if the corner is tighter than you thought. Try moving your shoulders over your outside leg as this transfers even more weight to help keep you upright.

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