SKATE TIP OF THE WEEK
Inline secrets from the world's top skaters and coaches

This week's tip:

Safe by Design

A guide to setting up a safe and fair finish for an inline speed skating road race

By San Diego Street Elite
Jan. 30, 2009

Comparison to biking races

1. Similarities
   In terms of speeds and strategies inline skating races are very similar to bike races. Packs predominate and final sprints are intense.
    
2. Mixed categories
   One difference between skating and cycling is that even small bicycle races have separate categories and start times for racers of different speeds. In inline speed skating the pool of competitors is not as large so usually it is more practical to have skaters of all speeds start at the same time.
    
3. No brakes
   Road bikes have good brakes but the brakes on most recreational inline skates are only marginally effective and most speed skates have no brakes at all. Skaters can slow down and stop but not as quickly as cyclists.

Next: General Finish Line Considerations

Back to Safe by Design introduction

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Related reading:

• Skate Tip of the Week Archive
• Beginners Guide to Outdoor Racing
• Beginners Guide to Inline Skating