IMPORTANCE OF STYLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 88, 10 October 1936, Page 23

IMPORTANCE OF STYLE

ROAD AND TRACK CYCLING

"LIGHT SCIENTIFIC TURNING OF PEDALS"

As all racing cyclists will know, whether they are road or track pcdallers, training is essential to success in actual competition. Among the members of the local clubs this principle may be said to be well observed. But do all in their training spins exercise the best discretion? This is a point to which attention is given in the latest edition of the "Cycling Manual and Year Book," an English publication, a copy of which came to hand, recently.

Stress is laid on the-fact that riders? should be careful not to take too much out of themselves while training. "Never ride at full speed, and only occasionally ride the full distance of the race —and even then never fully extend yourself," is the advice the book gives. It adds: "The whole essence of training is preparation; accumulated energy must be reserved for the actual race." The care of the feet whilst training is something: which, as likely as not, may,be overlooked. This is regarded as of importance, and it is suggested that whenever possible a rider should change his stockings and wash his feet after every spin. Moreover, it is stated that if vaseline is smeared between the toes it will help to keep the . muscles pliable. Riders are also advised to go in for deep-breathing and chest developer exercises daily. Pointed attention is directed to the acquisition of style, which, the book counsels, all riders should study and cultivate. "Style," it says, "means the way you sit your bicycle and the way you pedal. A crack rider at speed never seems as though he is uncomfortable, and seldom as though it is hard work —although on the track he may be pushing a very high gear and travelling at well over 30 miles an hour. POSITIONS VARY. "Styl° depends a 16t upon a-correct riding position on the bicycle. Owing to different physical attributes riding positions vary considerably, but by close observation of the positions of most of the more prominent roadmen it will be seen, for instance, that the saddle is usually at least 2in behind the bracket and that the handlebars are not too low nor too far forward. The saddle should be tilted very slightly downwards as compared with your ordinary riding position." '• As it is pointed out, racing gears are a matter of personal choice, but the following is suggested as a good guide:—For 25 miles, 81 to 89in (81in and 83in being the most popular); for 50 miles, 79 to 83; for 100 miles, 79 to 81; and for 12 and 24-hour trials, 74 to 83in. To cultivate pedalling style during training the use of a 'gear of . about 70in without toe-straps or clips is recommended, and riders are also advised to make full use of the ankle muscles of each foot by prescribing a complete circle with the pedal, this action being known as anklingv As for the sitting position, the rider should not be hump-backed; his arms should be bent at the elbow joints and not straight out; wrists should curve slightly inwards and good-shaped handle-bars should point slightly outwards. CULTIVATION OF SPRINTING. The track rider is advised to have handlebars a little lower than the roadman's position. He is strongly recommended to acquire the art of "jumping" his machine, which, as cyclists know, is the ability of a rider to accelerate quickly—usually in the final dash for the finishing line—while travelling at a good pace. When "jumping" a rider pulls hard on the handlebars and lifts the weight of his body from the saddle on to the pedals.

The point, however, on which the greatest emphasis is laid is the importance of skill or style.. "As in many

[other things," it is pointed out, "it is I not the brutal, forceful 'pusher' who necessarily makes the best progress. To find the easiest cycling, the pedals should be coaxed and turned ('twiddled' is an expressive way of phrasing it) rather than slammed down. Cycle riding means a rotary action of the feet, and the skilful rider will always be turning his feet in nearly a true circle, using the ankle joints to enable the ball of the foot to apply the pressure as far round the circle as possible. KEEP HEAD STILL. "The body, head, and shoulders should be kept still, not because there is essentially any harm in moving them, biit because the rider who swings them about is not using his feet and legs to the best advantage, and he unconsciously endeavours to redress the balance with the head, etc. .. .

Style consists of this light scientific turning of the pedals without outward sign of effort. Where there is style, speed must come, if wanted; and, in any case, there will always be ease."