Conventional wisdom circulated in the sub-culture of triathlon says swimming requires the most skill, followed by running and cycling is the least technical. As this urban legend goes, all you have to do to be a good cyclist is ride lots. If you are an athlete looking to win, you should encourage all of your competitors to adhere to this urban-legend and then look closely at reality yourself.

This legend is somewhat true, viewed from the aspect of the single repetitive cycle of one stroke or stride. Viewed from a global perspective, the opportunity for improved performance via increased cycling skills is huge. Training the ability to stay in your aero position and flow around a fast corner can save you five seconds or more, over an athlete of equal fitness, who sits up and hangs onto the brakes. Coasting down a one mile descent at 40 mph will gain you 30 seconds over a competitor, of equal fitness, who only has the skill to descend at 30 mph. Would 30 seconds affect your overall placing? A skilled rider may rest during a 40 mph descent, whereas an unskilled rider may grip the handlebars, rigid with fear at 30 mph. The unskilled rider may need a rest after the hill and lose even more time.

Do train hard to develop high fitness levels but also train smart to develop the full gamut of cycling skills. Skilled and fit cyclists will finish in front of fit cyclists every time.