10 Top Tips for a Great Raid Corsica

1. Don’t overdo it on day 1.  There is plenty of time to prove who is going to be king of the mountains. Give into the pressure on the peloton!
2. It is impossible to ride up a mountain in a group or at someone else’s pace - so don’t try.  (There is no advantage to slipstreaming up hill and most people don’t feel too conversational on a 10% section).  Find your own rhythm and then regroup with your mates at the col if you would like to. You are going to be in the saddle for between 8 and 14 hours a day, so you need to pace yourself.
3. Ride a lot slower than you would at home. The hills are not ridiculously steep; they just go on for a long time. You need to have some energy left for the next hill!
4. If you find the ‘sub group’ that you are cycling with are pushing the pace a bit fast for you, then hang back and wait for the next group. 
5. Downhills – do them at your own pace and be especially cautious if you are not an experienced descender.  Consider the weather conditions and make sure you adapt your speed.  Never underestimate how cold you can get on a long descent, even on a sunny day, let alone in freezing fog!
6. Flat sections are a good opportunity to try cycling as a group and for slower cyclists to benefit a little from the speedier ones.
7. Stop often to eat and drink – not managing your food and hydration can kill a Raid (see section on food later). Eat before you are hungry / drink before you are thirsty.
8. Don’t worry if you are at the back of the group – someone has to be and there is fun to be had there!  
9. Remember that you are exercising at altitude so be kind on yourself.
10. It is a holiday – take time to enjoy the amazing scenery, village cafes and bakeries en route.

Courtesy of our RAID organisers, Marmot Tours