How to ride FASTER than 97% of cyclists (5 TIPS for Experienced Riders)

There’s a moment on every hard ride that changes everything.

It’s not when your quads scream or your lungs burn. It’s the split second you glance up—and see a rider ahead gliding effortlessly, almost floating, while you’re wrestling your bike, gasping for air, and battling your own fatigue.

You’ve done everything “right.” You’ve logged miles, bought the gear, even learned what FTP means. But that serene, powerful rider? They’ve cracked a code you haven’t.

This isn’t beginner advice. This is the graduate-level playbook used by elite cyclists to dominate climbs, slice through wind, and extract every watt of free speed from their bike and body.

In this deep-dive guide, we reveal five game-changing secrets that separate the strong from the truly fast. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re science-backed, field-tested strategies that deliver measurable gains in speed, efficiency, and endurance.

Ready to stop fighting the road—and start flying over it?

Secret #1: Ditch the “Max PSI” Myth—Optimize Tire Pressure for Real-World Speed

The Lie: “Pump your tires to the max for speed.”

For decades, cyclists have been told that rock-hard tires = faster rolling. But this is dead wrong—especially on real-world roads.

The Science:

On smooth velodromes? Maybe. But on cracked pavement, chip seal, and bumpy backroads, overinflated tires bounce, creating micro-vibrations that steal forward momentum. Every tiny bump becomes a speed-sapping impact.

Recent aerodynamic and rolling resistance studies confirm: slightly lower, optimized tire pressure creates a larger, more compliant contact patch. This absorbs road imperfections instead of fighting them—resulting in less energy loss and higher speed.

Real-World Gains:

On smooth roads: 5–10 watts saved at 40 km/h
On rough roads: up to 30+ watts saved
That’s the difference between holding a wheel… or getting dropped.

How to Optimize Your Tire Pressure:

Calculate your total system weight: You + bike + gear.
Use a trusted tire pressure calculator (like Silca’s or SRAM’s).
Factor in tire width and setup: Tubeless vs. tubed, 25c vs. 28c.
Start low—the recommended pressure will feel “too soft.” Trust the data.
Pair with high-performance tires: Supple, high-TPI (threads per inch) race tires can save another 15 watts over puncture-resistant winter tires.

💡 Pro Tip: Switch to latex or TPU inner tubes (or go tubeless). Combined with optimal pressure and race tires, you can save 25–30 watts total—equivalent to shedding 3 kg of body weight before a climb.

This is the highest ROI upgrade in cycling: free speed for under $100.

Secret #2: Your Body Is 80% of the Drag—Master Aerodynamics Like a Pro

The Harsh Truth:

Your deep-section wheels? Your aero helmet? They matter—but your body creates 80% of total aerodynamic drag.

If you’re sitting upright on the hoods, you’re not just slower—you’re wasting 30–50 watts at race pace.

The Fix: Build a Wind-Slicing Position

Step 1: Narrow Your Frontal Area

Hands: Move them closer together on the hoods.
Elbows: Bend to 90°, forearms parallel to the ground. This creates a smooth, flat surface for airflow—not a vertical wall.

Step 2: Tuck Your Head

Your head is a giant aerodynamic brick. Lower your gaze.
Imagine a string pulling your chin toward the stem.
Keep your neck aligned with your spine—no “turtle head.”

Step 3: The Pro “Shrug” Technique

Top time trialists don’t just lower their heads—they raise their shoulders toward their ears, tucking the head between the shoulders like a turtle in its shell.

This closes the gap around the neck, eliminating turbulent airflow.

🚴 Practice It:
Start on your trainer: hold the position for 30 sec → 1 min → 5 min.
Film yourself on rides—you’ll be shocked how upright you still are.
Over time, this becomes second nature—and saves 40+ watts at 40 km/h.

At speed, you’ll feel like you have a permanent tailwind. In headwinds? You’ll attack, not suffer.

Secret #3: Climb Like a Pro—Not an Amateur

The Amateur Mistake:

Blow up on the first 30 seconds of a climb with a massive surge. Feel like a hero… then get passed halfway up.

The Pro Strategy:

A climb isn’t a sprint—it’s a three-phase energy management battle.

Phase 1: The Approach (First 1/3 of Climb)

Ride at 80–90% of threshold power.
It should feel “too easy.”
Let the ego-riders surge ahead. Your time is coming.

Phase 2: The Engine Room (Middle 1/3)

Settle into true threshold pace.
Breathing deep, legs burning—but steady.
No surges. No spikes. Just controlled, sustainable power.

Phase 3: The Attack (Final 1/3)

Gradually increase power.
Shift up a gear. Stand up if needed.
In the last 200 meters, unleash peak power.
Crest the summit at max output, carrying momentum into the descent.

📈 Result: Faster overall time + explosive finish while others are gasping.

This isn’t just theory—it’s race-winning pacing used by Tour de France climbers.

Also Read: Trek FX+1 Review: The Refined, Throttle-Equipped E-Bike That Bridges Tradition and Innovation

Secret #4: Structured Training > “Just Riding”

Hard Truth:

Riding 10 hours a week without structure hits a plateau. Your body adapts only to the stress you apply.

To get faster, you need targeted stress.

The Solution: Two Interval Sessions Per Week

Session 1: Threshold Intervals (Build Sustainable Power)

Warm up 15–20 min.
2–3 x 10–20 min at FTP (Functional Threshold Power).
Recover 50% of interval time (e.g., 10 min effort → 5 min rest).
Goal: Raise your lactate threshold—so you can sustain higher power longer.

Session 2: VO₂ Max Intervals (Boost Peak Power)

Warm up thoroughly.
4–5 x 3–5 min ALL-OUT efforts.
Equal recovery time (e.g., 4 min on, 4 min off).
Goal: Increase your ceiling—so you can close gaps, attack short climbs, sprint.

📊 Track Progress:
Use your cycling computer’s lap function. Are your power numbers consistent across reps? Or fading? Consistency = fitness gains.

The Golden Rule: Consistency Over Intensity

One hard week + two easy weeks = zero progress.
Six weeks of 2 structured sessions/week = transformative gains.

This is how weekend warriors become weekend dominators.

Secret #5: Master Racecraft—The Mental Chess of Cycling

Speed isn’t just watts—it’s wisdom.

The fastest riders aren’t always the strongest. They’re the smartest.

Key Racecraft Skills:

1. Draft Like a Surfer

Ride 2–3 wheels back, slightly offset.
Save 25–30% energy in a group.
Never fight for the front unless you’re pulling or attacking.

2. Anticipate, Don’t React

Watch the road 10 riders ahead.
See a corner? A roller? Start accelerating BEFORE the group surges.
Use momentum, not just power.

3. Read the Wind

Crosswind from the left? Shelter is to the RIGHT of the rider ahead.
In echelons, position is everything.

4. Use Terrain as a Weapon

On rolling courses: carry speed from descents to slingshot up the next rise.
Minimize braking. Maximize flow.

🧠 Elite Mindset: Conserve energy relentlessly—so when the critical moment comes (final climb, sprint finish), you have a full tank while others are empty.

Putting It All Together: The Floating Rider System

Becoming the rider who “floats away” isn’t about one magic trick. It’s about integrating five pillars into a seamless system:


Optimized Tires	Reduces rolling resistance	25–30W
Aero Position	Cuts wind drag	30–50W
Smart Climbing	Maximizes energy use	Faster splits + momentum
Structured Training	Builds engine & ceiling	Higher FTP + VO₂ max
Racecraft	Saves energy, exploits opportunities	Tactical advantage

This is holistic cycling mastery—where physics, physiology, and psychology converge.

Your Next Step: Choose One. Master It. Repeat.

You don’t need to implement all five today. Pick one secret to focus on this week:

Dial in your tire pressure using a calculator.
Practice the aero shrug on your trainer.
Try the three-phase climb on your next hill.
Schedule two interval sessions.
Ride your next group ride focused on drafting and anticipation.

Small, consistent upgrades compound into transformational results.

Final Thought: Speed Is a Skill—Not Just a Number

The “floating rider” isn’t born. They’re built—through knowledge, discipline, and smart execution.

You’ve now got the same playbook used by elite cyclists. The road doesn’t care about your gear or your Strava KOMs. It only rewards efficiency, intelligence, and resilience.

So go out there. Optimize. Adapt. Float.

And when someone looks up and sees you gliding ahead—serene, powerful, impossibly smooth—they’ll wonder: What do they know that I don’t?

Now… you’ll know the answer.

Which of these five secrets will you implement first? Share your plan in the comments below—and let’s build a community of smarter, faster cyclists together. 🚴‍♂️💨