Bike
MTB
Veronique Sandler's top 5 tips on how to improve your MTB skills
Pro mountain biker Veronique Sandler shares her best advice to progress your mountain biking skills.
New Zealand mountain biker Veronique Sandler has been making waves on the mountain biking scene with her incredibly stylish riding and impressive trick bag. 'Vero', as she is referred to by 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.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see 90 seconds of hardcore shredding from Veronique.
1. Find what you want to improve and session
Keep sessioning to learn new tricks
© Tom Roberts
I’ve been picking aspects of my riding that I’d like to improve on, for example turns, jumps, tricks, and then finding a spot with a few features in a row that I can session over and over with an easy push up.
This always ends up being so much fun and you can literally see the progression between runs. It’s easy for people who are watching/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
For me personally, quitting racing and focusing my attention towards the simple enjoyment and fun 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 all in one.
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, and I feel like I’ve gained more bike skills in two years off the race circuit as I did in six years of racing.
3. Get a good crew
I’d say get a good crew of mates and find some rad 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 steeze it up and try to get some visual tips from watching them.
4. Be persistent
Ride on!
© Tom Roberts
I've found new learns on the bike don'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
Following another rider down the hill who's got your desired skill on lock is also an awesome way to pick it up. Try copying what they're doing the whole way down and even if you're not as dialled, you will subconsciously pick up new little tricks and moves which will 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.
Like this? Check out more mountain bike tips:
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.
