RACECRAFT: THE GAME PLAN

Elite enduro athlete Innes Graham takes us through the preparation and race-day skills you’ll need to shine under pressure

- Andy Barlow

When it comes to racing there are loads of pitfalls and mistakes that stop most people from achieving the results they know they’re capable of. Last month we looked at some key techniques to focus on to give you more control when you ride. After all, speed comes from confidence, but confidence comes from control.

This month we’re going to look at how you should set goals at events, how increasing your speed isn’t always about trying to go fast, and how arriving at a race venue with a deliberate and well-thought-through plan is the key that unlocks the power to focus on the right things once the clock starts ticking.

WHO IS INNES GRAHAM?

Innes is 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.

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.