Climbing specialist (cycling)

A climbing specialist is a road bicycle racer who can ride especially well on highly inclined roads, such as those found among hills or mountains.

Role of climber in a race

In a cycling team, one of the jobs of the climber is to make the gruelling work of climbing long stretches easier for the head of the peloton, breakaway or cycling team by allowing them to draft in his slipstream. The competitor at the front of the pack must do more work due to aerodynamic resistance, whereas his/her followers will have to do less work if they line up properly. But it is the less altruistic climbers that are remembered mostly.

Related Topics:
Cycling team - Peloton - Draft - Slipstream - Aerodynamic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In a sustained climb, the average speed declines and the aerodynamic advantages of drafting is diminished. This is where another job becomes more important, that is to set the pace of the group that they are riding in, whether aggressively or passively. A good climber knows how to modulate his/her speed and choose the best lines on a climb, allowing the riders who are following to have a slightly easier job. If a group maintains a high tempo, it is more difficult for a rider to be able to attack and ride away from that group.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Another important role is that of an attacker, and counter-attacker. Climbing specialists may also seek to use their superior abilities to 'break away' by attacking on climbs, knowing that only other climbing specialists may be able to stay with them, or by simply maintaining a high pace that others cannot. A successful escape could help the climber achieve a victory if the race has a hill- or mountain-top finish, or if the climber is able to maintain his/her lead after the climb is over.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~