The basis: Efficient kicking instead of brute force
When riding fast, maximum pressure is not important, but rather a smooth, even pedal stroke .
Many riders simply push the pedal down – but in doing so, they're missing out on potential. The goal is a circular motion :
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Pressure phase: Downward kicking (classic).
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Pulling phase: Actively pull your foot backward and downward – as if you were wiping mud off your shoe.
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Relief phase: Gently raise the leg again without applying any counterweight.
💡 Tip: Practice this with single-leg pedaling exercises on a trainer or on a slight incline. This improves coordination and makes your pedal stroke noticeably smoother.
Body posture and aerodynamics
Above 30 km/h, air resistance plays the biggest role. Small changes in posture make a huge difference here.
Pay attention to:
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Flat upper body: Bring your back parallel to the floor – but only so far that you can still breathe freely.
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Slightly bend your elbows: This reduces the surface area exposed to the wind and simultaneously relaxes your shoulders and neck.
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Head position: Look forward, not down. A stable, low head position saves watts.
Many professionals regularly train aerodynamic riding positions , e.g. through time trial simulations or video analysis.
Cornering technique: Carry momentum instead of braking
Driving fast also means carrying speed through curves .
This is about trust, line, and visual direction:
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Focus: Always look where you want to go – not at the front wheel.
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Line: Outside-Inside-Outside – that is the safest and fastest cornering line.
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Body: Press the outer pedal down, keep weight on the outside, lean upper body slightly inwards.
💡 Practical exercise: Find an easy downhill stretch with clear curves. Ride it several times – first slowly, then a little faster – and concentrate solely on your vision and line. You can find more information in the article "Cornering technique on a road bike – the most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them".
Driving downhill at speed – safely, smoothly and with control
Downhill riding is the ultimate discipline of fast riding. Here, the right technique determines speed, safety, and fun.
If you want to drive downhill quickly and in a controlled manner , the following applies:
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Stable posture: Lower your center of gravity by rising slightly out of the saddle and bringing your knees against the frame.
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Direct your gaze: Always look into the distance, not directly at the road in front of you.
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Controlled braking: Brake before the curve, not in the curve. Use both brakes evenly and in a controlled manner.
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Line choice: The more proactively you drive, the calmer your driving style will remain – and the more confidence you will gain in your equipment.
A good feel for speed, grip, and lean angle only comes with practice. If you'd like to delve deeper into this, also read our article "Riding Downhill with Corners – How to Master Tight Corners on a Road Bike" . There you'll find valuable tips specifically for cornering on descents.
Drafting – free turbo
Riding in the slipstream saves up to 30% energy – a huge advantage on long journeys or in groups.
Important:
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Keep a distance of 30–50 cm from the person in front.
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Stay calm – sudden steering movements endanger others.
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If you are in front, maintain a steady pace and signal the change in time.
Training groups are an ideal place to practice drafting – especially during “chaining” sessions , where the leading role is regularly alternated.
Controlled training of starts and sprints
Driving fast also means being able to maintain and increase speed . This can be achieved with targeted sprint and acceleration training:
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Standstill starts: On a slight incline, full throttle for 5-10 seconds.
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Intermediate sprints: Briefly accelerate from a standstill – ideal for group rides.
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Cadence changes: Alternate between high (100-120 rpm) and low cadences to improve control and responsiveness.
💡 These exercises improve your neuromuscular efficiency – that is, your ability to transfer power to the pedal quickly and precisely.
Mental strength: The mind is involved
Technical training is not only physical, but also mental .
Staying calm during fast sections saves energy and allows for a more consistent driving style.
Focus on:
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Breathing: Regular and deep – especially during high exertion.
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Focus: Don't get swept away by the speed of others, but stick to your own path.
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Visualization: Imagine flowing movements – this unconsciously improves your technique.
Conclusion: Technical training really does make you faster
Increased speed on a road bike isn't a matter of chance. It comes from perfect coordination of movement, posture, and mindset . Regularly invest time in your technique training – on the trainer, on quiet roads, or in a group. With a smooth pedal stroke, an aerodynamic position, and precise line choice, you'll not only be faster, but also safer and more efficient.
🚴 Bonus tip: Have yourself filmed regularly or observe your posture in the mirror during roller training – small corrections can have a big impact.
