Cycling is not just about speed and endurance—it’s also about safety. Learning how to handle your bike in emergencies, such as brake failures or crashes, can make all the difference. If you’ve watched the 12th stage of the Tour de France, you might have seen Geraint Thomas from the Sky Team take a dramatic fall on a slippery downhill in the Pyrenees. But instead of crashing hard on the pavement, he managed to land softly on the grass. His technique was smooth, controlled, and worth studying.
Let’s break down what happened and learn from his experience.
1. **Adopt the Right Position**
Thomas bent his elbows and looked ahead toward the turn. His inner knee pointed toward the corner, and he pressed down on the inside handlebar. The outer pedal was at its lowest point, and he placed his weight there. While many riders lean with the bike, Thomas kept his body upright. This helps maintain control by keeping your weight over the tires, which is crucial when the road becomes unstable.
2. **Correct the Slide**
As the rear wheel started to skid, Thomas had time to react because the bike was still beneath him. When braking on a smooth surface, the wheels can slide sideways due to lateral forces. By releasing the brakes, he reduced the sliding force and allowed the wheels to regain traction. He also turned the handlebars slightly outward, helping the bike straighten out and avoid going off course.
3. **Find a Safe Exit**
With his body upright and the bike stable, Thomas didn’t need to weave through traffic. Instead, he aimed for an open space between two cars and rode into the grass. Staying straight allows for more effective braking and better control, especially at high speeds.
4. **Prepare for a Soft Landing**
Even after slowing down, there wasn’t much room to cushion the fall. So, he released the bike in a controlled way, minimizing the impact on his body.
5. **Land and Roll**
As he touched the ground, Thomas extended his right leg and arms (only one arm, though), bent his elbows to absorb the shock, and rolled onto his shoulder and hip. This technique helps distribute the impact and reduces the risk of injury.
By following these steps, even amateur cyclists can improve their safety on the road. Whether you're riding in the mountains or on city streets, knowing how to handle a crash can save you from serious harm.
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