1. Training
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Geraint Thomas' versatility has marked him as one of Britain's best (pic: Sirotti)
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Thomas says he remains seated while climbing, keeping the cadence high (pic: Sirotti)
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Geraint Thomas has proved time and time again that he's one of the toughest riders in the peloton (Pic: Alex Whitehead/SWPix.com)
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Thomas says being prepared doesn't have to mean recce-ing the course - but get your set-up right (pic: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
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Positioning yourself near to the front on a climb, gives you room to drop back if you start to struggle (pic: Sirotti)
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Drink and eat little and often (pic: Sirotti)
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Geraint Thomas, pictured on the Horseshoe Pass (pic: Etape Cymru)
1. Training
The best way to improve your climbing is to just get out on your bike as much you can and ride up as many hills as you can.
Initially that’s what will see you make the biggest improvements. You have to train your weaknesses, so if you struggle on climbs then don’t be scared of them.
Plot a route which takes in a decent amount of climbing, or find a local hill and ride up and down it.
You do start to get used to climbing and will find out what works for you. While it doesn’t get much easier, you do improve and you go quicker.
For more information on this year’s Etape Cymru, visit www.etape-cymru.co.uk