Hi
here is my problem:
I race hare scrambles and special test enduro races are 1.5-3hrs long, im in good shape during the season and don't really get tired during the race, im a top 3 rider in my class in most races.
my problem is that in hare scrambles i don't start very strong and it takes me some time to get my rhythm going then i usually work up the gap from the leading pack and usually get on the podium, the problem is that sometimes its not enough and the leader or 2nd place already open up a 2 min gap that i just can't close, sometimes i get behind slower riders that just make me waist more time and take more chances trying to pass them.
the reason i don't start in full speed is that when i did this in the past i got arm pump or just waste too much energy that really hurt my position later on in the race i also try to warm up in the 1st lap and learn the track (it’s usually rocky with many surprises).

in the special test style races i don't have this problem as i can rest and catch my breath before i enter the time test section and its usually not longer then 8min so no problem to go full blast for a short period of time.

any tips on how to start stronger without wasting too much energy for the rest of the race?
Thanks , LZ.

Lots of people have this problem. Try to combine aggresion with a calm state of mind.

Do warm up exercises (pushups even) just before your race starts. Get your blood moving and your muscles warmed up. Runners (the fast ones) do this before the start of a race, doing short sprints to get in the right mind set and to get the muscles notified that it's show time.

BigIvyI said:

sounds like the right thing to do thanks.

i do warm up before the race just that im way too nervous before the start all that adrenaline just keeps me all tight:eek: , after the race starts it all goes away and i try and get consentrated and find my rhythm:ride: .

If you get tired toward the end of the race when you start out with a hard pace, Id suggest working on your endurance so that you dont have to hold back as much at the start of the race.

Bakemono said:

Yes you can never have enough endurance i guess.

last season i realized after a couple of races that my endurance was crap, started spinning twice a week + 1-1.5 hrs of riding non stop 3 times a week and it got me in great shape for the rest of the season.

Spinning is good. I ride my mountain bike 30 minutes a day 4 days a week as well as doing pushups and sittups to work on the strength of my core and that seems to really help.
Im only doing 4 motos that are 5 laps each per weekend though. You guys who do hare scrambles are in a whole 'nother league in terms of endurance than us MX guys are.