I improved my gravel handling with this guidance from a national champ - and you can too

Experience on the road is a great foundation. Here's how to sharpen it for the trails

Andy riding down a trail with a coach cheering on
(Image credit: Future)

Having stopped racing at UCI level, I did what most riders do and bought a gravel bike. I used to ride my road bike off road a fair bit, but with 23mm tyres and headsets getting replaced every 2 months. I also haven’t raced since September 2021 so my bike handling skills are probably not quite what they were, and they weren’t a skill I was that renowned for in the first place! 

There are many benefits of riding off-road for road riders, including improved resilience, whole-body strength, and improved bike-handling.

Ian Field

Ian Field is the Director of VELD Coaching, as well as five times British Cyclocross Champion, six times British Series Winner and a cyclocross commentator.

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