Maybe something for the Schlecks and Wiggo...?

[The Couch]

FDJ are going to take Pinot on racing and (potentially) skiing lessons to get used to speed to adress his fear for descending... maybe a nice idea for a school trip with the above mentioned guys?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/pinot-to-drive-racing-car-to-improve-descending

 

[VamP]

I dunno about those guys but where do I sign?

 

[oldroadman]

Never mind all that, get Salvodelli back from retirement and he'll sort them out - possibly the best descender ever - brilliant technique. All they would have to do was follow his wheel at steady speed and slowly increase the pace each descent. That's how a lot of us learned, find the best and follow them. Non-climbers are often pretty good too, as you have to be able to do the job on descents to get back to the peloton and do your work.

 

[tigger]

Sitting in a car at high speed is all well and good, but I doubt his aversions are as simple as a fear of speed per se. Its no doubt a fear of hitting the tarmac at high speed with no protection. Being in a metal cage isn't going to help him here. Personally, I'd make him sit on his bike whilst its on top of the roof, and then do 190kph. That'll sort him out

 

[Hont]

Salvodelli - possibly the best descender ever - brilliant technique.

According to Magnus Backstedt he was only good for a GC rider. Magnus being of the opinion that all the truly fast decenders are sprinters/heavy riders.

I have don't have Maggy's expertise but Salvodelli did seem pretty fast to me.

 

[oldroadman]

According to Magnus Backstedt he was only good for a GC rider. Magnus being of the opinion that all the truly fast decenders are sprinters/heavy riders.

I have don't have Maggy's expertise but Salvodelli did seem pretty fast to me.

I kind of agree with that, Magnus is right (he can descend a bit as well!!) the descenders you don't see on TV are often very good, simply for the resons I've already mentioned, if you are not a good climber, you have to get down fast to be in the right place when it matters. Getting through the cars on a descent is something to be seen, but rarely is because the motos can't stay with the riders. Only those who have been "on the inside" of top end races are able to properly appreciate some of the superb skills and bravery on show. Then it all becomes so routine that it's hardly noticed unless things go wrong. Some team cars drivers are better than others - enough said.