Cyclocross technique: How to corner in the sand

Aaron Schooler, expert cyclocross racer and manager of Focus CX Team Canada, has great tips on how to corner in the sand.

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Riding through a sandy corner with or behind others is difficult. It’s best to be in front of the group so you can choose your line and speed. If the corner has a rut, ride it. It can function as a berm and guide you through to the other side.

As you ride the corner, stay relaxed and keep your weight back. “If the front wheel ever looses the rut, you can just pick it up and throw it back in,” Schooler says, encouraging you to raise the front wheel to then guide yourself into the right track. Once you start coming out of the corner, it’s time to really put power to the pedals. But don’t save the pedalling to the end: turning the cranks helps you to keep your balance. And, if things start to go a little wrong, a dab to the ground with your inside foot might be all the help you need.

If you’re behind other riders, whom you trust, stay on there wheels throughout the turn. If you don’t trust them, or know what to expect from them, be ready to unclip, dismount and run. It’s best to start this process before you loose too much momentum. If you are heading into a sandy corner with heavy traffic, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll be on your feet.