Let’s cut to the chase
Ever wonder why some riders always seem to be in the winning break while the rest are chewing bar tape trying to survive the third lap?
Spoiler alert: It’s not always because they’re the strongest.
It’s because they’re smart.
(And maybe—just maybe—they’re trained by someone who rhymes with “Peon Zephers.” But we’re not naming names…)
The Breakaway Whisperers
These cyclists aren’t psychic. They’re just paying attention.
They sit in that sweet spot—positioned 10 to 30 riders deep—calm, collected, caffeinated. They aren’t wasting watts chasing every squirrel-like attack. No, they’re scanning the race like a sniper on recon:
- Who’s moving up?
- Who’s bluffing?
- Who’s blocking?
- Where’s that cheeky team with matching socks and sneaky tactics?
And when the move goes—the one that really matters—they’re already halfway across the gap before the rest of the bunch has even found their shifters.
Pre-Race Recon: The Homework That Wins Races
Here’s a pro tip: Races aren’t won at the finish line. They’re won in the prep.
If you’re only thinking about wattage and gels, you’re already down a lap.
Start with:
- Course profile: Hills, headwinds, hellish cobbles? Know what’s coming.
- Weather: Tailwinds create chaos, crosswinds create carnage.
- Finish line: Is it uphill, downhill, a narrow death chute?
- Competitors: Who’s the sprinter? Who’s the mountain goat? Who’s the wildcard with mismatched socks and a vendetta?
And here’s a secret from the Leon playbook: If it’s a race you’ve done before, study the history. Because races, like bad boyfriends, tend to repeat patterns.
During the Race: Eyes Open, Ego Down
Attacks will fly early—some real, some just sugar highs from too many energy chews. Pay attention to:
- Who’s attacking?
- Who’s chasing?
- Who’s NOT reacting? (That’s often more telling.)
If a serious rider gets off the front and the bunch doesn’t react? You go.
Don’t wait. Don’t blink. Don’t check your Instagram mid-race (unless you’re really committed to the content). And whatever you do—don’t look back.
Looking back says, “I’m scared and need help.”
Instead, sneak a glance under your armpit like a true race ninja. You won’t see much, but it’ll make you feel like a legend—and might even intimidate a few amateurs.
Smart Beats Strong (But Strong + Smart? Deadly.)
Look—being strong helps. But knowing when to use that strength? That’s the real flex.
Reading the race properly means you can:
- Outsmart stronger riders
- Beat teams with better kits
- Save matches while others burn bonfires
And remember: every race is a classroom. Afterward, debrief like a pro.
- What worked?
- What blew up?
- Who was bluffing?
- Who surprised you?
Write it down. Forget the drama. Log the data.
Because next time? You’ll be the one with the crystal ball.
TL;DR FOR YOUR ATTENTION-CHALLENGED INNER CHILD
- Don’t race like a lab rat on espresso. Think.
- Smart positioning beats flexing for the GoPro.
- Know your course, rivals, wind, and exits.
- React fast, commit hard, and never look like you’re begging.
- Learn, adjust, repeat.
- Or just train with Leon and skip the painful part.
Ready to stop guessing and start winning?
Leon’s not just another coach.
He’s a race whisperer. A strategy savant. A watts wizard.
And he’s building killers, not fillers.
📩 email us at Cadence & Grit if you’re done being pack fodder.
We’ll make sure your next move is the move.
