Bike
MTB
Follow Veronique Sandler's top tips on how to improve your MTB skills
Pro mountain biker and former World Cup downhill racer Veronique Sandler shares her knowledge to help you progress your mountain biking skills.
British-based New Zealand mountain bikerVeronique Sandler has been making waves on the mountain biking scene with her incredibly stylish riding and impressive trick bag. 'Vero', as she's known to her friends, is also known for her incredible videos on social media.
From getting yourself a supportive team to simply having fun, here she shares five pointers to refine your mountain biking skills.
1. Find out what you want to improve and session it
Veronique Sandler pins it around a berm
© Tom Roberts
I've been picking aspects of my riding that I'd like to improve, for example turns, jumps, tricks and then finding a spot with a few features in a row that I can session over and over.
This always ends up being so much fun and you can see the progression between runs. It's easy for people who are watching and giving you tips to pick-up on things you could improve on, too, even if it's just a short section of trail.
2. Have fun
Ride on!
© Tom Roberts
For me, personally, quitting racing and focusing my attention towards the simple enjoyment of riding bikes has been the biggest step in my progression as a rider. I know everyone operates in their own way and different things work for different folks, but taking a step back from the race circuit has given me the freedom to learn new things, gain some handy new skills and have an absolute blast at the same time.
When I was racing, I found myself constantly worrying about having to go faster every time I rode, in order to be ready for the next race. I feel like I've gained more bike skills in two years off the race circuit than I did in six years of racing.
3. Get a good crew
I'd say get a good crew of mates and find some great spots to session. I've found progression happens so much quicker and easier when there's a bunch of you hyping each other up.
Don't worry about what level you're at, every good rider has been through the stages of learning in their life, so just get amongst it and have a laugh. I also like to watch edits of riders who inspire me, to see how they do things and try to get some visual tips from watching them.
4. Be persistent
A quick table at BMCC
© Tom Roberts
I've found learning new things on the bike doesn't always come quickly and easily, so if you really want to perfect a skill, keep at it, even if you don't see immediate progress. The graft is always so worth it when you start feeling yourself pick it up down the line. If, for example, you want to learn how to whip, practice the shape on every little lip down the trail. Frequent repetition is key for progression.
5. Follow another rider
Tuck No-Hander from Veronique Sandler
© Tom Roberts
Following another rider who's got your desired skill on lock is also an awesome way to get it dialled. Try copying what they're doing the whole way down and even if you're not as dialled, you'll subconsciously pick up new little tricks and moves that'll help the learning process so much.
Personally, I've been trying to turn my bar turns into whips for years and have only just got the hang of it. I went through stages of thinking it's probably just not for me, but I'm so glad I persevered, as it's the most awesome feeling in the air.
Watch Veronique Sandler in Sound of Speed in the player below:
1 min
Veronique Sandler – Sound of Speed
Veronique Sandler rides in Wales for a Sound of Speed production.
