Pedaling Technique

Pedaling technique is the thing that has transformed my sportive performance - from climbing kitten to climbing dog.

Smoothing out your pedal stroke and "pulling up" with the leg that isn't pressing down on the pedal can make a real difference to your climbing ability.  The additional power you get from using this technique can get you up hills that previously defeated you, and preserve your legs during a long sportive so you are in good shape for the final  hills.

Here's a video that describes and demonstrates the technique.

At first it can feel odd to "pull up" but after a while it becomes second nature.  You seem to get an additional boost with no extra energy cost - and soon you are zipping up hills.