SKILLS TO RACE

Elite enduro athlete Innes Graham knows what it takes to ride at the highest level and he’s here to share the secrets of shredding at speed in our race-ready masterclass

- Andy Barlow

Whether you’re looking to compete in your first race, or get the edge on your rivals, this new series is all about preparing you for the start line. And to help you do it is Innes Graham – both a Dirt School performance coach and EDR racer. As well as competing at the top level internationally, Innes also helps deliver Dirt School’s BASE Mountain Biking course, so he’s well placed to communicate the lessons he’s learned in the heat of battle.

Over the next few issues we’re going to take a look at what it takes to ride at the top level. We’ll layer complicated techniques on top of basic ones, look at what goes through a racer’s head when they are on the clock and how they do what they do under pressure. If you have any events planned this summer you’ll be able to apply some of this to your own riding and hopefully notice an improvement! And if you’re not racing, there’s plenty of crossover to your weekly ride with your mates.

THE COACH 
ANDY BARLOW

Before joining Dirt School Andy liked to win things – races like the Scottish XC Champs and the Scottish Downhill Champs. Since 2009, though, he’s coached some of the world’s best riders with Dirt School and helped bring on the BASE MTB course at Borders College in the Tweed Valley. But what Andy really likes to do is communicate those pro techniques to everyday riders.

RIDING BETWEEN THE TAPES IS DIFFERENT