SCOTTISH Cycling will be running a women-only coaching workshop at Emirates Arena in Glasgow on May 17.
The event, aimed at novice and intermediate riders, is neatly timed ahead of the third round of the 2015 Scottish Cycling Women's Road Race Series in Falkirk which will take place on May 23.
The series, supported by Dales Cycles, consists of six races across the country, with Dundee, Banchory and Aviemore set to play host in the months to come.
Here Scottish Cycling regional development officer Fiona Walker explains what participants can expect from the coaching session.
Take us through the basics of what the session will entail?
It will take place on the closed road circuit outside the Emirates Arena. The focus will be skills rather than speed or fitness. Coaching will mainly be on group riding and cornering on the bike.
How many people will be in the session?
There will a maximum of 40 riders - we will split into two groups.
Why women-only?
Cycling has traditionally been a male-dominated sport and women often feel quite intimidated by this. Some newcomers are put off by the perceived macho culture.
What are most common mistakes that rookie road racers make?
Riders new to road racing often end up being out on their own and have to work much harder. You use 20 per cent less energy riding behind another rider.
If a rider gets dropped from main group I always encourage them to try and join up with other riders - even if it means slowing down so that they can share the workload.
Riding with a large group of fellow cyclists - never mind racing - can be nerve-wracking. What steps can be taken to overcome this feeling?
Confidence building is very important. I try to make riders feel comfortable and start with basics such as teaching them how to corner on their own. Once they master that we progress to cornering in pairs, then in threes and so on. I also encourage people to ask plenty of questions.
Will you be able to provide advice on aspects such as posture on the bike and racing tactics?
I have been involved in cycling for 26 years so have a wide knowledge of racing and try to impart as much of that as I can in coaching sessions. Things such as clothing, position on bike and nutrition are all important.
In road racing, tactics often play a big part so I explain how the skills they learn in coaching sessions fit in with actual racing. Riders need to think about their strengths and weaknesses and how to use these to their advantage in races.
The Scottish Cycling Women's Road Race Coaching costs £5. For more information and to book your place, visit riderhq.com/events/68520/womens-road-race-coaching
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