General Fitness

Magnus Backstedt: Classic Cyclosportive Advice

by Admin

By Magnus Backstedt and Adam Tranter

The Classic Cyclosportives are the next level in cycling challenges. Like the Etape, they often give you the opportunity to ride on the same grueling terrain as the professionals. Classics have always been a huge part in the culture of cycling, there's definitely something to be said for the atmosphere around these events. It's your chance to get an idea what it's like to spend the whole day in the saddle along some pretty horrific roads and climbs.

There are sportives for most of the classics and semi-classics, and they will often be populated in majority by native cyclists. But with a bit of preparation and planning, getting over to the continent can be a cost-effective way of obtaining the highlight of your year. Be sure to check out the Cyclosport.org 2010 Classics Calendar. Get the latest information on entries and routes, all in one place, on Cyclosport.org.

We've found they're often quite a bit tougher than sportives here in the UK. Riding well on classic terrain is a skill in itself. We want Cyclosport.org users to go in prepared, so we thought we'd get some advice from an expert. Luckily for you, we found a winner of the ultimate classic race, Paris-Roubaix. That's Magnus Backstedt, and he's got the following tips.

From Magnus:

As a classics specialist when I was racing, the classics sportive now sits in a special place for me. I think when you all sit and watch the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix there are possibly the thoughts:

It doesn't look that bad!
How hard could it be!?!

It is tough, but I've got a couple of ideas for you to help out.

First of all, it would be a good idea to ride a few longer sportives before taking these challenges on, secondly, make sure you have enough miles in your legs. These rides are incredibly long and the fact that it's on bad roads makes it that little bit harder. In the final weeks before these rides I would suggest getting a couple of hundred plus mile rides if you can, they'll definitely help psychologically.

After this it's a question of preparing your equipment. Most people will assume that a 23mm tyre is more than plenty on the cobbles. I would say opt for a 27mm rear tyre and a 24mm front if you can get it. This will give you a smoother ride and you will not puncture as much as the tyre will not slide down between the gaps of the cobbles and tear the sidewalls. The next thing is your handlebars, double bar tape is something to consider, but I have to say that pipe insulation under your bar tape is a better way forward; just cut it to the size of your grip.

When you see me out there on the bike, go easy on me, because I'm not managing to get that many miles in with family, team, coffee and commentary to juggle. But I will be fit and ready for The London-Paris 2010.

Keep riding and I hope to see you out there at some sportive rides next year.

Magnus

Be sure to check out the Cyclosport.org 2010 Classics Calendar. Get the latest information on entries and routes, all in one place, on Cyclosport.org