Tim Don’s off-road masterclass: Descending

Issue ID: January 2013

Unlike cornering and climbing, you want to get up and out of the saddle when it comes to going downhill. By doing so you put more of your weight over the back of the bike, which frees up the front to float more easily over any obstacles. It also allows you to brake harder on steeper slopes without having to worry so much about being pitched forwards over the bars.

Even if you have suspension, it’s worth keeping your arms bent and as relaxed as you can. This will help absorb any bumps but also allow you to steer more easily.

Keep your knees bent, too, but also spread apart a bit so there’s room for the bike to move about. And, as always, keep your head up and your eyes looking ahead to pick out the best line.

Descending fast off-road just takes practice,” says Don. “The more you do it, the better you’ll get. It’s all about looking for the smoothest, fastest line and having confidence in your skills and kit.

Arms

Bent arms and a relaxed grip on the bars will give you greater control of the front wheel.

Eyes

Look ahead to spot any obstacles early and give yourself time to deal with them.

Backside

Get up out of the saddle to shift your weight back over the rear wheel so the front is free to roll over any bumps.

Knees

Keep your knees bent to help absorb any big hits, and hold them wider apart to allow the bike space to move.

Photos: Paul Whitfield

Tim Don Pro athlete and coach

About

After earning short-course kudos as a 3 x Olympian, 4 x ITU World Champion (in triathlon and duathlon) and countless ITU World Cup victories, Tim Don turned his attention to the half-Ironman distance. His unrivaled foot pace and light, lithe running form transitioned seamlessly to longer racing, resulting in a tidy collection of Ironman 70.3 titles, as well as an Ironman victory in his first attempt at the distance. He also holds the British Ironman record of 7:40:23. Despite his warm and slightly eccentric personality, this versatile competitor is often considered a favourite at any distance! He shot to fame in 2017 when he was hit by a car in training just two days prior to the Ironman World Championships. With fractured vertebrae, Tim was given a Halo, a metal structure which screwed directly into his skull, to help speed up the healing process. Tim is now a full-time triathlon coach.