Sprints - what are they good for

Climbing hills is good for building strength.  Riding in a group and pushing longer rides each time is good for building endurance.  And sure, maybe you can push thirty km/h in your big ring at eighty rpm for a 100km ride, but eventually you'll blow your knees out. If you want to get faster and fitter without spending days on the road sprints or intervals is the way to go.  Some of the ways sprinting will help you are;

Leg speed and cadence - you'll find your biggest gear isn't always your fastest gear.

Drafting and riding the wheel in front of you - In a group ride where you have to worry not just about the rider in front of you but also about everyone beside and behind you it can be a bit nerve wracking trying to keep your front wheel within inches of the wheel in front.  In a sprint where its just you and one other rider it's easier to focus and comfortable riding close quarters.

Being aware of what's going on around you - When you're trying to out gun the other rider to the line, there are lots of little cues to watch and listen for that will help you; did they shift a gear, move their hands on the bars, stand up on the pedals, move off to the side so you can't see them attack, can you hear their freewheel spin behind you; all clues that now is the time to attack

Coaching and feedback from the other riders with you - You may notice something that they're doing that could help you that you never saw before while you were gasping and pushing to the top of the hill next to them.

All this and more at next Mondays sprint clinic on June 20.  Again everyone is welcome to come out.  Riders can pick their partners to sprint against, or if you're not sure who would be close to you we've set up a segment on Strava to help seed riders here.