Stay relaxed
Stay relaxed
Some riders are naturally able to hurtle down a descent, while the fear of crashing can paralyse others as the road tumbles away before them.
However, Swift says, it’s vital to stay relaxed if you are to descend safely. It will also help you pick the quickest line through the corner.
“It’s important to have a good position on the bike,” he says. “A lot of people are too stiff in the upper body, so they’re gripping onto the handlebar too hard and almost focusing too much, and that makes them nervous.
“That often means they go around the corner as if they’re on a fifty pence piece, whereas you want to do it in one fluid motion, and that makes life a lot easier. It’s a case of getting comfortable with your bike and putting the skills in place.”