Spinners Are Winners
Spinners are winners? Well, that is part of it but is that all you
need to win races, a high cadence? Well, yes that is part of it - the easy part
of it. The ability to spin smoothly and effectively is key to an efficient
pedal stroke, and it does require deliberate training workouts to develop leg
speed. Leg speed helps to conserve energy and power for those critical defining
racing moments when you need to close a gap, bridge to a break, attack the
break and sprint for the win. Developing good leg speed is the easy part
however. Without power, it does not matter how fast you can turn the pedals
over. What matters is the capability to spin a gear, big enough gear that will
hurtle you down the road, and hurtle you with speed! Leg speed alone however,
does not necessarily translate into going fast on the road. Notice the size of
the gear(s) Lance is turning over in the TT's. He probably had a 55 or even a
56 large chain ring on, and he was in his 14 or 13, maybe in his 12 at times in
the TT at the 2001 Tour De France.
While Lance has incredible leg
speed, he has the massive power to turn over a big gear to go with that leg
speed. Lance has worked hard on his leg speed, but he has dedicated even more
time to developing his power. ESP Cycling is dedicated to maximizing the
balance between developing leg speed and combining that leg speed with a power
base. Spinners are winners, but only if there is power behind it.
For scheduled and custom cycling training camps throughout the year in Northern California to help bring your cycling skills to the next level, visit AthletiCamps
