Climbing mountain passes is one of the most rewarding activities that a cyclist can do. The satisfaction of reaching the top of a hard climb is incomparable to any other feeling. It doesn't matter what level you have, in improving yourself is the secret.
However, we all like to go faster and faster. Whether it's to 'bite' our groupmates or to hunt some KOM, there is always an intention to improve on the climb. We will not deceive you without training there is no improvement, but you can follow these tips that will save you watts without having to give everything in each port.
First and most important advice: work on the mental. Nothing will give you greater improvement than being able to approach the ascents with positivity and always thinking that you will achieve your goals. Without motivation there are no worthwhile legs, so the next time you have to face a hard climb, stop looking at the slope and convince yourself that you will finish that climb.
It is normal that our routes are diverse in demand and distance and for this reason we do not always carry the same thing. When you plan each route, also take care of knowing what you should take and thus leave all that material that you will not need. It just adds weight to your bike and reduces your performance.
It may seem that by pedaling standing you will go up faster, but the truth is that you will not. Although it will be a good option when you want to attack, each pedal stroke is much more efficient sitting down. Calculate that between 90 and 95% of the climb you should do on the saddle and the remaining time raised. At the moment of changing speed, get up, but once you have found your rhythm, sit better.
You can fall into the feeling that by moving harder developments you will advance faster. However, this does not have to be like this. An agile cadence, which allows you to maintain 70-90 pedal strokes per minute uphill, will benefit you not only in speed, but also in terms of recovery. The most important thing is that the pedaling is loose, as long as this is the case, apply the hardness you want.
Related to the previous point, finding your rhythm is going to be the best way to optimize each of your watts. Jerking forward is never a good option and bursting before reaching the end is even less so. For these reasons you must find a rhythm that you can maintain from the beginning to the end of the port in a constant way. In this way, your heart rate will not skyrocket, you will not over-punish your body with unnecessary ripping, and with the same power you will be able to lower the timer.
