Mastering Speed: The Art of Descending in the Tour de France

In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, the ability to descend rapidly can be the difference between victory and defeat. Speaking to the unique challenges of this skill, four-time Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali shared, “When I go very fast and attack the downhill, I take a risk. It’s normal. It’s my work.” Fabian Cancellara, a celebrated rider known for his Monument victories, echoed this sentiment, stating, “You play with your life.” As the 2023 Tour de France approaches, the significance of descending cannot be understated, especially in the context of the crucial 19-kilometre descent of the Col du Glandon and Col de la Madeleine on stage 18.

Descending is more than a physical challenge; it requires a blend of psychological resilience and technical prowess. Unlike climbing, which tests pure physical ability, descending is an art form that balances speed with control, often at perilous velocities exceeding 100 km/h. Riders are shielded from the ground only by their reflexes, helmets, and lycra, making the sport’s inherent dangers all too real. Tragically, this month, the cycling community mourned the loss of Samuele Privitera, a 19-year-old rider who died during the Giro della Valle d’Aosta in Italy, highlighting the risks involved in high-speed descents.

Despite the dangers, riders who excel in descending become legends. From the famed Paolo Savoldelli, known as “Il Falco,” to the recent daredevil descents of Tom Pidcock, the sport celebrates those who master this skill. Coaches like Oscar Saiz, who works with Lidl-Trek, stress the importance of innate talent combined with rigorous practice. “The athletes that are really gifted are those that have a pilot’s brain,” Saiz noted, emphasizing the need for spatial awareness and quick decision-making.

Balancing Risk and Technique

One of the significant challenges of honing descending skills is the difficulty of practice. Unlike climbing, where cyclists can push their limits at will, descending requires closed roads and a willingness to embrace risk. Matej Mohorič, one of the peloton’s top descenders, shared insights from his winning descent at the 2022 Milan-San Remo. “I think good descending needs to be subconscious, but built around the confidence of recent experience,” he explained. Notably, he refrains from using the full lane during training, opting instead for caution, especially on right-hand turns.

Mohorič’s victory on the Poggio is a testament to his mastery of descending. He skillfully avoided drains and walls while utilizing an adjustable dropper post, which enhances aerodynamics but complicates bike handling. His experience illustrates the thin line between control and chaos on descents.

Nibali, often regarded as one of the best descenders of the last decade, emphasized the importance of body mobility. “Good mobility allows you to set up the curve better,” he explained. His approach to descending involves evaluating the road conditions and maintaining a smooth line, a skill developed through years of practice on the challenging roads of his native Sicily.

Training and Overcoming Fear

As with many skills in cycling, descending is often about overcoming mental barriers. Saiz works closely with riders like Enric Mas and Thibaut Pinot to build their confidence. For Mas, a poor descent at the Tour de France could jeopardize his overall standing, prompting a focused effort to improve his technique. Saiz noted, “It took three or four sessions to see a metamorphosis.”

Cancellara pointed out a shared truth among cyclists: “When you’re young, you just go down, you don’t think,” yet as responsibilities grow, so does caution. Cédrine Kerbaol, a top descender in the women’s peloton, echoed similar sentiments about the mental aspect of descending. “You have to disconnect your brain and think about the moment,” she advised, highlighting the importance of focus during high-speed descents.

The harsh realities of the sport, including the loss of teammates like Gino Mader in 2023, have shaped riders’ relationships with descending. Mohorič expressed that while respect for the discipline has grown, he prefers to mitigate risks during training. “I don’t really enjoy the descents with lots of speed,” he admitted.

As bicycle technology evolves, so too does the art of descending. Modern bikes offer advantages like better grip but can be more challenging to handle. Riders have noted the difference between rim and disc brakes, with many feeling that disc brakes diminish the road feel necessary for confident descending. “With rim brakes, I could feel slightly more,” Nibali explained, reflecting on the nuances of bike control.

Cycling’s inherent risks are often amplified during downhill finishes. Matteo Jorgenson recently voiced concerns about the safety of these finishes, stressing that the thrill of competition must not overshadow rider safety. “One life lost is too much,” he stated, emphasizing the need for careful course design.

While the allure of high-speed descents remains, the cycling community recognizes the necessity of balancing excitement with safety. As the 2023 Tour de France approaches, the challenge for riders will be to master the technical art of descending while navigating the psychological risks that accompany it. The road ahead is fraught with both opportunity and danger, and the greatest champions will continue to redefine what it means to excel in this thrilling aspect of the sport.