Why Do Hills Feel Harder During a Race Than Training? Climbing Tips Every Cyclist Should Know

Why Do Hills Feel Easy in Training but Hard During a Race? The Climbing Secret Most Cyclists Don’t Know

If you’ve ever climbed a 6% or 8% hill comfortably during training but struggled on the exact same gradient during a race, you’re not alone.

Many cyclists believe they suddenly became weaker on race day. In reality, the hill didn’t change—you did.

Understanding why climbs feel so different can help you become a smarter, more efficient climber and improve your race performance without necessarily increasing your FTP.

Why does the same climb feel harder during a race?

The biggest difference isn’t the hill.

It’s everything that happens before you reach it.

During training, you usually approach the climb at your own pace. Your breathing is controlled, your heart rate is steady, and your legs are fresh enough to choose the effort that feels sustainable.

In a race, it’s completely different.

You may have already responded to attacks, accelerated out of corners, fought for position, or pushed above threshold just to stay with the group. By the time the climb begins, your body is already under much greater stress.

The climb feels harder because your entire system is working harder before the climb even starts.

The Peloton Changes Everything

One of the biggest mistakes recreational cyclists make is comparing training climbs with race climbs.

In training, you control the pace.

In a race, the peloton controls the pace.

The group often enters the climb much faster than you would choose on your own, forcing you to produce more power immediately.

That’s why even familiar climbs can suddenly feel much steeper.

Big Chainring or Small Chainring?

This is one of the most common climbing questions.

Many riders ask:

Should I climb in the big ring or shift to the small ring?

The answer is simple.

Don’t let the chainring make the decision. Let your cadence make the decision.

If you’re climbing comfortably while maintaining smooth cadence, staying in the big chainring may be perfectly efficient.

However, if your cadence begins to fall and every pedal stroke feels like you’re pushing a heavy weight, it’s time to shift before you lose momentum.

Smooth pedaling is almost always more efficient than forcing a gear that’s too large.

Cadence Is Your Best Climbing Coach

Instead of focusing on which gear looks stronger, focus on maintaining a consistent cadence.

A stable cadence helps:

Reduce unnecessary muscular fatigue.
Improve oxygen delivery.
Maintain smoother power output.
Save energy for later attacks.
Keep your climbing rhythm under control.

Your gears are simply tools that help you maintain that rhythm.

Why Torque Training Makes a Difference

Low-cadence strength work teaches your muscles to produce force more efficiently.

High-cadence intervals improve coordination and cardiovascular efficiency.

Combining both—as we do in our VO₂ Ninja training sessions—builds cyclists who can climb with strength while keeping their pedal stroke smooth and efficient.

That’s why training should develop both force and rhythm, not just power.

The Biggest Climbing Mistake

Many cyclists try to prove they are strong enough to stay in the big chainring.

Strong climbers don’t climb to impress.

They climb to finish fast.

The smartest riders shift before cadence collapses, protect their legs, and stay efficient throughout the climb.

The Chavez Cycling Climbing Philosophy

At Chavez Cycling, we don’t chase gears.

We don’t chase numbers.

We chase execution.

When approaching every climb, remember four simple words:

Breathe. Pedal. Observe. Decide.

If cadence stays smooth, continue.

If cadence begins to disappear, shift calmly and keep your rhythm.

The mountain doesn’t reward the rider pushing the biggest gear.

It rewards the rider who manages energy the best.

Recommended Equipment for Better Climbing Performance

The right equipment won’t replace training, but it can make your training more consistent and your race-day execution more reliable.

Recommended Equipment to Become a Better Indoor Climber

The right equipment won’t climb the mountain for you—but it can help you train more efficiently, stay more comfortable, and perform consistently during long indoor climbing sessions.

Smart Trainer

A high-quality smart trainer provides realistic resistance changes that closely simulate real climbs, allowing you to develop climbing-specific strength, pacing, and cadence control.

Dual-Sided Power Meter Pedals

Dual-sided power measurement helps identify left-to-right power balance, improves training accuracy, and provides more reliable data for virtual racing platforms where power verification matters.

Heart Rate Monitor

Your heart rate is one of the best tools for pacing long climbs. It helps you avoid starting too hard and teaches you how to manage effort over extended ascents.

High-Velocity Fan

Indoor climbing generates significant heat. A powerful fan improves cooling, reduces cardiovascular strain, and helps maintain consistent performance throughout longer sessions.

Cycling Shoes with a Stiff Carbon Sole

A stiff cycling shoe transfers more of your power directly into the pedals, improving pedaling efficiency during sustained climbing efforts.

Proper Cycling Bib Shorts

Long climbs require comfort. A quality pair of bib shorts reduces pressure points and allows you to stay seated comfortably for extended periods.

Sweat Guard and Trainer Mat

Protect your bike and your training space from sweat while keeping your indoor setup clean, stable, and quiet.

Large Display or TV

A larger screen makes virtual climbs more immersive, helping you anticipate gradients, stay mentally engaged, and enjoy longer training sessions.

Hydration and Nutrition

Always keep water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates within reach. Proper fueling is essential for maintaining power output and delaying fatigue during long indoor climbs.

Final Thoughts

The next time a climb feels harder during a race than in training, don’t assume you’ve become weaker.

Ask yourself:

Did I enter the climb too fast?
Am I protecting my cadence?
Am I choosing the right gear?
Am I managing my energy?

The strongest cyclists aren’t always the ones producing the most power.

They’re the ones making the smartest decisions—one pedal stroke at a time.

At Chavez Cycling, we believe that every climb is an opportunity to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

Train with purpose. Climb with rhythm. Reach every summit one pedal stroke at a time.

Continue learning with these Chávez Cycling guides:

ERG Mode vs. Simulation Mode: Which One Should You Use for Indoor Cycling and MyWhoosh Racing?
What Is a MyWhoosh Race Really Like? Lessons From My First Complete Race
How to Race on MyWhoosh Like a Pro
How Does MyWhoosh Power Passport Work? Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Test
What Does TSS Mean in Cycling? A Beginner’s Guide to Training Stress Score

Recommended Indoor Cycling Equipment

If you’re building your own indoor racing setup, I recommend investing in quality equipment that improves comfort, accuracy, and performance:

Smart Trainer
Heart Rate Monitor
Cycling Fan for cooling
Quality Bib Shorts
Cycling Shoes
Power Meter
Indoor Training Mat
Sweat Guard
Large TV or Monitor
Proper Hydration System
Energy Nutrition
Towels and ventilation

The right equipment doesn’t win races—but it helps you focus on what matters most: becoming a stronger cyclist.

Check our recommended Indoor Cycling setups:

Best Indoor Cycling Setup
Best Fans for Indoor Cycling
Best Smart Trainers for Home Training