MTB
Ever wanted to race but not sure where to start? Pump track racing is suitable for all riders from any discipline from beginner to pros alike.
Pump track events are one of the most accessible ways for any rider to get involved in racing. Whether you're a downhiller, road rider, cross-country fan or a BMXer, the core skills that you can pick up on a pump track will revolutionise your riding.
With the highly coveted rainbow jersey and world title now up for grabs at the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships, now is the perfect time to get pumped about pump track. Still not convinced it's for you? Here's slopestyle star Martin Söderström to tell you why you should race pump track.
“Pump track riding is ace," says Söderström. "It’s not only great fun, it's one of the best ways to practice and perfect your basic bike skills. You can ride lap after lap and push yourself a little bit more over each roller, corner or jump. And the ride doesn’t end at the bottom of a hill. It ends when you’re done”, adds Söderström, who's done his fair share of big international pump track competitions over the years.
Pump up your bike skills
For those new to the concept, a pump track is made up of rollers and corners that loop back on themselves in a never-ending circle. You get around the track by pumping or jumping over the rollers and pushing through the corners to carry speed. No pedalling allowed. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a BMX racer, downhiller or slopestyle rider, the pumping technique is the foundation for every type of riding," Söderström explains. "It also gets you practicing cornering and jumping, as well as balance and speed on the bike. You get to practice all your basic bike skills on such a small area in a short amount of time," he adds.
I love the race format!
It's safe to say that Söderström knows what he's talking about. This last decade he's been one of the best slopestyle riders in the world, a two-time runner up in the FMB World Tour, winner of Crankworx Dual Speed N’ Style and is known for his stylish and technical riding. He's also competed in the prestigious Crankworx Pump Track Challenge several times – a discipline he admits to having a bit of a sweet spot for.
A race format for all levels
“I have done quite a few pump track races all over the world throughout my career”, Söderström explains. “I love the race format”. While he shows off his insane corner, manual and jump skills come race day, he also stresses that this is a sport for everyone – for all ages, all discipline and all levels. Everything is rollable, so you can simply ride after your own ability.
“You might think that 4X riders have an advantage, as they race on tracks with similar-looking features, but in my experience it doesn’t matter what discipline you do – everyone’s got a shot at the podium”, Söderström says and explains that you often find BMX racers next to four-cross, slopestyle and downhill riders during international races. “In my mind the one thing that distinguishes a great pump track rider is that he or she is a very good all-round biker”, he concludes.
How to get better at Pump Track riding?
So how do you get better at pump track riding? Well, according to the freeride icon it’s all about practicing your basic skills. The faster you can take a corner, the more speed you'll carry onto the next part of the track.
Learn how to carry your speed over the rollers and in the corners. Progress by trying to manual or double features up, as it is sometimes faster than just rolling.
“When it comes to strength and conditioning, I’ve found that it doesn’t matter what kind of rider you are, you'll get exhausted anyway," Söderström advises. "Three laps around a pump track at max speed will make even the fittest XCO rider gasp for air”.
Five pump track tips
- Spend as much time on your bike as possible, mix it up and play around on it.
- Use protection. Although pump tracks look smooth, they can still get you injured.
- Race against a friend. It prepares you for the actual race and you can push each other.
- Plan your ride around the track. What features will you jump, pump and wheelie?
- Have fun and bring your friends to the competition!
