Criterium Workout of the Week: Film Study
Film study has always been an important tool for improving personal and team outcomes in competition. Teams and racers were late to the game but are catching up and now film study is just as important in cycling as it is in other sports. Analyzing footage of past races can provide cyclists and coaches with valuable insights into their performance and that of their competitors.
By reviewing footage of their own races, cyclists can identify areas of weakness, such as poor positioning, execution of a plan or lack of endurance, and work to improve them. They can also analyze their opponents' tactics and strategies, allowing them to anticipate their moves and make more informed decisions during races.
For coaches, film study can provide a wealth of information on their cyclists' performance, helping them to identify areas for improvement and develop more effective training programs. We can also analyze the performance of other teams and individual cyclists, enabling the development of strategies to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
Finding available race film is sometimes tricky. GoPro helmet cams only offer a 1st person view which is useful and helps but not as much as a 3rd person vantage point.
Cory Williams has some great 1st person race film.
Rahsaan Bahati's Youtube channel has done a number of great 1st person race narrations with some excellent commentary.
But like I said, 3rd person videos tell a big picture story. The Tulsa Tough replays are always good to watch. Search "Tulsa Tough."
LA Crits has some good stuff too. I wish there was a way to show all of the races only from the drone.
Film study is a powerful tool for cyclists and cycling coaches. It allows them to gain a deeper understanding of their own performance and that of their competitors, providing a competitive edge that can make all the difference in high-level racing.