Prior to completing your event entry you will no doubt have already considered the key statistics of the route – total distance, elevation and killer climbs along the way.
Understanding the route from the profile and information available online is a valuable first step in digesting what you are about to undertake.
In a lot of cases it’s the daunting centre piece climb that quickly becomes the main focus of your attention, and quite rightly so.
It’s important not to overlook the rest of the route, even if it looks relatively straight forward. Often the false flats and hidden inclines can quickly add up without you realising just how much energy they may require.
Whilst studying the route on paper, and reading the organiser’s notes, will give you an idea of what to expect, nothing can beat an actual recon of the course wherever possible and practical to do so.
Knowing where the roads narrow, particular caution is needed, what comes before and after the main climb and an overall familiarity of the route will allow you to perform in a better manner.
