This week MGM Alternative drops in on some Skills n’ Drills! Over the past few years we’ve had the time and opportunity to push ourselves physically; training harder, racing more and going bigger than before. Each season our sponsors have provided us with gear more advanced than the model before. It is safe to say that we spend each day with a small amount of pressure and desire to be better than before. This can be stressful, especially at the pointy end when your progression is harder to measure and even harder to feel. It’s good for us to take a break from pushing and to focus on the fundamentals again which allows us to practice without pushing.
Mountain biking can be a hard sport to practice because of the amount of variables there are in a single trail, as well as the effort it takes to do repeating laps. Our hope is that this video can serve as a reminder to all the riders that are looking to improve; that we should all take the time to go back to the basics and work on technique.
We found it was important through-out this session to have video and peer feedback. Often we can understand what we were being told but without actually seeing ourselves do it, it is hard to make a change. Practicing and critiquing your technique doesn’t mean that you’re going to be able to directly translate it into your riding, but it’s important to be mindful and aware of your habits to slowly work on them. Habits aren’t broken easily and many things come down to personal style, but we should never forget the importance of having an open mind and the willingness to slow down and try!
Remi explains to Jesse and Miranda how he was perfect, but they have many things to work on.
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49 Comments
All the best for you !!! You are all such a great athletes and very, very nice person. Examples to follow
Next drill for you 3. Same location, same conditions and same setup.
Try pedal level. More speed from the top so you don’t have to pedal (or set your first few cones further downhill). Try with your strong foot forward first. Repeat. Then try with your goofy (not your normal stance). Try to keep away from having pedals close to the 12 and 6 o’clock. Shoot for 3 and 9 o’clock.
1. Quicker transition from right to left turns
2. More range of movement, especially rotation (hips)
3. Less leaning required, more angulation (bike body separation.
I like what Remy was describing. Smooth transition instead of forcing the bike side to side.
Like Jesse said. Although not race specific application, drills allow to isolate movement patterns to become more efficient.
Miranda, great feedback on the boys! Pointing out to go slower to improve form than add dpeed is excellent!
Well done crew! Fist pump!
We’re looking forward to see you and your team on the World Stage!
Jesse is feet flat though those turns which is so scary to do (beyond me!)
The idea is to work on your weakness so you're a better all round rider. It's cool to see these 3 practicing that stuff. It can only lead to improvements.
I coached a kid a few years back for 4 years or so. There's no way I could keep up now. He races Junior in EWS (his last year). Proud coach here to have enable this phenomenal rider to perform at the World stage.
My hips hurts just after a couple laps