Racing tactics – Tip 1
Posted on December 6, 2007
- The Fat Man Float
This is a wonderful technique used by the “less skinnier” racer. Usually used in hillier road races, the technique allows riders to crest climbs with the peloton. If well executed this technique will ensure the survival of the rider and a possible group finish.
After many races and a lot af practice in group rides, I have been able to observe different methods of execution. Some successfull, some not so good.
When approaching the climb, one must make its way to the front. This has to be done subtely (sp?) or else it will encourage a counter move, which will generally result in what I call a “micro-attack”, which might be enough to burn one of your matches. So:
1 – make your way to the front of the group. SLOWLY
2 – position yourself 3-4 riders back. OUT OF THE WIND!!!!!!! NO WIND.
3 – spin
4 – adopt a poker face and mask the pain (very important)
As soon as the climb starts, maintain your cadence, speed, groove. Change nothing. The peloton will pass you. One by one, riders will surround you. This forces riders to hesitate, slow down and thus buying yourself more time to get up the hill.
If successfully executed, you will be just at the back of the group, with just a couple of riders behind you. You need these guys as insurance. They WILL close the gap for you and eventually you will be able to make it to the front again and start all over.
This has definately been my number 1 weapon. I have mastered the float, but variables such as anger levels, constant micro-attacks and hero pulls have greatly diminshed the success rate of this technique. You have to be patient. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE….
Good luck 
TIP #2 will deal with “Corner Diving”. Stay tuned.
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4 Responses to “Racing tactics – Tip 1”
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Great, tell all the big guys to get in the way at the base of a climb. The skinny guys must unite and defeat your fiendish plan.
See you at Blvd!
on topic … SNSR is back with the Nelsons road course http://www.procyclery.com/snsr/
Natedog and I were thinking about doing camp, but just carpooling out to do the Sunday 60 miler, and Swamis long on Saturday instead of the “slow” 95 miler out there – thoughts? Maybe you can show me that float
GT
@ JH2
I will not be at boulevard….it breaks one of my established rules. I will explain that in a later article.
@GT
I will get back to you on this
This technique is also called the “Hoffie Shuffle” And used with great success..