One of the key factors in sportive success has to be a cyclist’s climbing ability, and British Cycling coach and Cyclosport writer, Andy Dawson has designed a three hour technique class to help regular cyclists tackle the gradients like the pros. 

Dawson, a qualified CTC Ride Leader and British Cycling Level 2 coach, is the founder of Rideventures - a new cycling company set up in Shropshire offering coaching and training for cycling groups. Rideventures also organises the popular Clun Sportive in June. 

“It’s all about technique.  You’ll have seen people who seem to glide up hill, not even trying.  That’s what we teach. People can make a real difference to their cycling ability with our training,” says Dawson. “We learn how the professionals climb those big hills in the Tour then have a go ourselves, first in a traffic-free area and then out on some local hills.”  

 “It’s all about technique and focus.  People have come away from our sessions exhausted – not because we’ve done lots of steep hills but because they have been learning to use their legs in new ways. After all, cycling is basically about propelling the pedals around and around – if you can do that efficiently and powerfully then your performance is going to be transformed.”  

Rideventures have improved the climbing of over 100 cyclists to date, and as the sportive season starts to drawn to a close now is a good time to start working on new skills in preparation for next year. 

“You can feel a difference immediately during the technique class, but more benefits occur once your muscles have adapted – this is something to work on through the winter and then come back better than ever for 2016.” 

The next session is set to run at 2pm on Saturday 3 October at Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Shropshire. 

However, if you can’t make this one, Rideventures run sessions throughout the year so sign up at the website for news of more workshops when they become available. 

Rideventures also works with clubs and groups on bespoke hill courses in the West Midlands.  

Find out more at www.rideventures.co.uk or call Andy on 0777 3236187.