Technique
Mastering the Descent: Our Tips for Safer Progress
April 20, 2026
5 min read
Mastering the Descent: Our Tips for Safer Progress
After sweating to reach the summit of a legendary pass, the reward is there: the descent. Yet, for many, this moment is synonymous with apprehension. At Biketours.cc, we believe that descending technique is a skill that can be learned and refined.
Here are our tips for approaching hairpins with confidence and fluidity during your next training camp.
1. The Gaze: Your Best Guide
It's the golden rule: the bike goes where your eyes look.
- Anticipate: Don't look at your front wheel, but look far ahead, toward the exit of the turn.
- Scan the road: Watch the road surface condition (gravel, moisture) while maintaining a global vision of the trajectory.
2. Body Position: Stability and Balance
A good position allows you to lower your center of gravity and increase grip:
- Hands in the drops: This position offers better leverage on the brakes and prevents your hands from slipping in case of a bump.
- Outside leg extended: In a turn, place your outside pedal down and put weight on it. This presses your tires to the ground and stabilizes the bike.
- Relaxed torso: Don't tense up on the handlebars. Supple arms absorb vibrations and allow for more precise steering.
3. Braking: Efficiency and Control
Descending well doesn't mean not braking, but braking at the right time:
- Anticipation: Most of the braking should be done before entering the turn, while the bike is still in a straight line.
- Release in the curve: Avoid sudden braking once leaned over, at the risk of losing grip.
- Distribution: Use both brakes simultaneously, balancing about 60% on the front and 40% on the rear.
4. Trajectory: "Outside - Inside - Outside"
To soften the curve and maintain speed:
- Entry: Widen your trajectory toward the outside of the road (while staying well within your lane!).
- Apex: Dive toward the inside of the turn in the middle of the curve.
- Exit: Let the bike widen naturally toward the outside as you straighten the machine.
5. Biketours.cc Support: Learn in Real-Time
The advantage of our camps is real-time observation.
- Follow the wheel: During our rides, you can follow the trajectory of our experienced coaches. This is the fastest way to understand the ideal lines.
- Personalized tips: We debrief together after descents to correct small errors in position or trajectory.
Conclusion
Speed will come naturally with confidence. The goal is not to take unnecessary risks, but to feel serene and in control of your machine. By applying these few technical principles, you will transform each descent into a moment of pure pleasure.