How to improve your climbing

Certified USA-Cycling coach and Project Echelon Racing Team rider Zach Nehr shares the tips that could see you riding to victory (or, just not getting dropped!) this summer

rider climbing out the saddle
(Image credit: Future)

Climbing is the stuff of cycling lore. When you picture the Tour de France, you imagine the yellow jersey climbing up Alpe d’Huez or dancing on the pedals up Mont Ventoux. The roads are lined with thousands of fans who part like the Red Sea, as the best climber in the world makes their way into the history books. 

Yet, for most of us, climbing does not look so iconic: it can be hard, painful even, and there’s nothing worse than running out of gears on a 14% grade and grinding to a halt, or watching your mates ride off into the distance.

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