Let me start off by saying, I know how to corner very well on roads closed to traffic and along with competitors my speed, a criterium race. However, the problem occurs where you are passing much slower triathletes from earlier waves or multiple loop courses and coming into the turn and they do not have cornering skills. Plus, roads are not closed completely to traffic, so I fear there may be an oncoming car around the corner.
If I take the corner hard and fast I could end up hitting an auto head on or taking out a slower inexperienced triathlete on the corner. So what usually happens is, approach the corner with caution and slow down. However, I lose much time to the triathletes that take the corners hard and fast.
I think they strongly discourage passing in corners…at least any of the races I have attended. Unless you are racing for prize money, what is the purpose of attempting to pass slower unskilled triathletes in the corners?
I think they strongly discourage passing in corners…at least any of the races I have attended. Unless you are racing for prize money, what is the purpose of attempting to pass slower unskilled triathletes in the corners?
I NEVER said I passed ANYONE in the corners. YOU are missing the point.
If you are cornering and hit a car head on, you’ve crossed the center line so are dead AND DQ’d.
Which course are you doing where this is a large concern. The Tri courses that I know about are not multi loop crits with lots of corners.
I suspect the best you can do is yell ahead of time and attempt to time the corner to your best advantage. “Coming through - Hard” may get you some space but don’t count on it. In any case I’ll be the slow guy but then I’ve ridden enough to hold my line and look if I need to change it.
And…how’s this for a novel idea? TALK to the athletes around you. Let them know if you will take an outside line or inside line; don’t cut them off without warning, etc. It’s perfectly fine to announce your intentions and let another cyclist know you’re there.
I just had some girl cut inside my line on a U-turn at BSLT last weekend and I could have hit her as I came around…would have been less intrusive and rude if she had just announced her presence.
And…how’s this for a novel idea? TALK to the athletes around you. Let them know if you will take an outside line or inside line; don’t cut them off without warning, etc. It’s perfectly fine to announce your intentions and let another cyclist know you’re there.
I just had some girl cut inside my line on a U-turn at BSLT last weekend and I could have hit her as I came around…would have been less intrusive and rude if she had just announced her presence.
How do you talk to them when you are closing on them fast approaching the corner? I’ve found evenly yelling out “On your left” literally FREAKS some of them out and they actually “Veer” to the left instead of to the right. So I found not to say anything because most don’t know jack.
Most seasoned triathletes understand the words: “On your left.”
What about the “unseasoned” ones? And, how can you tell if they are seasoned or not seasoned? They may have a $10k bike look all aero and never ride it. Should I yell out, “Excuse me, please don’t be alarmed, I am coming up on your immediate left fast so please stay to the right or ride a straight line, thank you.”
Earlier quote: Okay, I did say I take the corners “with caution and slow**”. I “SEE” many triathletes take them hard and fast. **
And…how’s this for a novel idea? TALK to the athletes around you. Let them know if you will take an outside line or inside line; don’t cut them off without warning, etc. It’s perfectly fine to announce your intentions and let another cyclist know you’re there.
I just had some girl cut inside my line on a U-turn at BSLT last weekend and I could have hit her as I came around…would have been less intrusive and rude if she had just announced her presence.
How do you talk to them when you are closing on them fast approaching the corner? I’ve found evenly yelling out “On your left” literally FREAKS some of them out and they actually “Veer” to the left instead of to the right. So I found not to say anything because most don’t know jack.
A bit confused here…kind of contradicting yourself here.