RACE TIPS by J Lee

Here are some simple things to practice in order to become a proficient mountainboard racer.

#1 - Pump Rollers - There is a fine line between slowing down over a roller and speeding up. It's all in the timing. Suck it up as you start over it and then compress as you go over. Rollers are a good opportunity to make up some speed if you get a bad start.

#2 - Riding in Traffic - Not with cars but other riders. Become comfortable with riders on your left and right as you head into a berm or jump. One key I've found is to get low. The lower you are the more sturdy you are when you get hit. Practice riding with friends in a tight formation.

#3 - High Speed Berm Manuvering - Different berms call for different approaches. You really need to know where you are going before heading into a berm. Either set up high or low depending on your ability to attack the berm and where other riders are in relation to the berm.

#4 - Gate Starts - This is potentially the most important part of racing. So start doing your push-ups now. It's all in the timing and your upper body strength. You gotta just fly out of the gate as if you're the only one racing. And then hold on for the rest of the race and don't mess up.

#5 - Handling losses - Most of the time in boardercross racing you will not always come in first. But typically as long as you come in second you keep moving on in the race bracket. So even if you lose one of your heats just keep it cool and don't worry about the loss. Just concentrate on your next heat.

#6 - Pace Yourself - There is a fine line between practicing and just wearing yourself out. Make sure to keep in the shade, stay hydrated and only take as many practice runs as you need to be comfortable with the course. Save most of your energy for the real runs, that's when you really need it.