How To Climb Like Alberto Contador

[@66rhcp]

Matt: 'I was a professional, 10 years ago...' Alberto: 'So was I'

[@whysoseriouzz]

made my day

[@SkyeNott]

GCN = Gasping with Contador Network

[@lifeofkan]

300Watt while doing an interview, not even trying. Kudos to Matt for actually putting up 300watts for so long too.

[@adamlynch9153]

Jay Kan can’t those guys do like 25 mph uphill?

[@lifeofkan]

​@@adamlynch9153 there are a lot of variables that can affect the answer to your question. There's no blanket answer to your blanket question. How steep is the hill? How long is the climb? Headwind? Drafting (abid diminishing return)? I've done 40 up a small hill after bombing downhill going 45, does that count? lol

[@adamlynch9153]

Jay Kan i heard they average 25mph uphill with all gradients combined.

[@chrisgilligan8662]

@@adamlynch9153 Last year's Tour de France the overall average pace for the entire race was about 25 mph. The climbing average pace was 12.8 mph. Maybe the most interesting stat - the differential between average pace of the winner vs. last place was 1.3 mph over the entire race.

[@adamlynch9153]

Chris Gilligan nice lol I’ve switched from soccer to cycling in the last year and I’m only averaging 14 mph for 20 mile rides.

[@lucianonarno1408]

Really appreciate Matt's work in helping the audience understand what Contador is saying because it's not always understandable, he has a very good way of getting info across and talking with interviewees. Contador is awesome, great video.

[@nluisa]

The perfect example of excellency in a given field: making the hard stuff look extremely easy. But one thing is to watch among equally trained people, like in most races. The other is to see it in comparison with a non-pro, albeit fit, rider like Matt. It's in these moments when you truly see the how good a human being can be at something. Alhough 99% of us will never get to this standard, it still inspires us to ride more, and better. Can't wait to get on my bike tomorrow!

[@junrancao3896]

Such a beautiful rider. Contador riding out of the saddle is exquisite poetry.

[@modernmedicine2562]

you're gay

[@poseidone5]

and you are stupid

[@modernmedicine2562]

me?

[@poseidone5]

Modern Medicine you

[@modernmedicine2562]

butthurt gay boy? must had been a bbc for u last night ;)

[@davidsosa538]

Watching Contador dance standing on the pedals was such a great spectacle. What a style.

[@danieldurling]

Amazing to see Contador being so relaxed with the english press, such a coup for GCN! well done guys (and well done Matt for even keeping up!)

[@abedfo88]

never really liked bertie much before but he has totally won me over with these GCN vids! top lad

[@julainejenkins2566]

I was about to make this exact comment.

[@carmenplacido9479]

How to climb like Alberto Contador??? BE Alberto Contador.

[@alfymiami]

Yeah, no matter how many instructions we receive, we could not climb like him. Especially that ability he has to climb off the saddle, longer than anybody else, that's amazing.

[@basv8456]

Exactly

[@chrisgilligan8662]

Simply ridiculous at the end. They're pushing 300 watts and then he pulls away like Matt has come to a stop.

[@zigzagnemesist5074]

@@alfymiami you've got to do intervals of a few minutes out the saddle going up a gear each time. Eventually you will be able to go 15 to 20 minutes lik Contador does. Its all training.

[@secretagent86]

motorcycle?

[@opness5275]

"I was a Professional !!!.... 10 years ago!" Lol that one killed me😂😂😂

[@hufemeve]

the most important take away from this video is that Alberto is remaining us the importance of training your body and fitness for riding out of the saddle-which is ultimately the best weapon to break away, sprint, climb, respond to a rival's attach-pretty much what makes cycling more exciting. I've always questioned why in the last 20 years, there is this overemphasis on riding in the saddle, as the holy grail of high efficiency & energy saving way - yes there is the data to support it- but I truly believe that we have not had emphasized enough on making our bodies more efficient enough to move the bicycle standing up- which is by our biped nature where we should thrive or feel more effective-rather than a crunched position that constrains us. Superb video guys- please continue the great work. cheers

[@abdallahibnounadhir8881]

Noio

[@animeman197]

hufemeve Your comment is great and got me thinking why I personally like to ride in and out of the saddle to mix it up on my commutes. I cycle mostly for a way of transportation. It does get bland after being in the saddle for an extended period of time and I do get uncomfortable for the same reason so I then get out of the saddle. Sometimes I just want to ride faster so I get out for those moments too :)

[@haranglouis5252]

That's right. When i start cycling, i have always been told to stay in the saddle. Starting to pedal out of the saddle was a game changer for me especially in very steep climb.

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

Different road racers (for example) have a tendency to rely on different styles. Some riders can just do any style -- they're just that talented. Amazing to witness. Our coaches would ensure we focused on extended periods of out-of-the-saddle work to help increase/improve the adaption needed for the different lung requirements and muscle recruitments when standing. But Contador... his was a supreme display of firepower.

[@squishydevil]

Matt: *Heavy breathing* Contador: *Meh* Me: *lying on the pavement*

[@jewmajorj]

This video is one of the many reasons I now watch GCN religiously. This channel is a great thing for all who care about the sport of cycling; amateur or professional. Thank you!

[@azac122]

His attack at the end reminds me so much his attack in Verbier... I'm so fan, huge man

[@matthewfischer8708]

I think it's fair to say that his acceleration away from Matt was absurd. Really puts into perspective how much of a different level these guys are on.

[@thomasjacquet3449]

I like Alberto Contador, great personality and such confidence; that's remarkable. No wonder he got this far...

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

Wow.. Contador was my favourite rider before but now.. wow he just made it legendery status!

[@NachosChanneluk]

So much respect for Alberto, and I understood everything he said.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Great video. Contador is amazing

[@gcn]

+quarktron Thanks! He was great to work with. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Do you think he has something genetically that most people don't or is it just a skill that he decided to perfect and use to his advantage?

[@chadbenjadad7095]

This video is a joke right? Dude is a hard doper. just like the rest of them.

[@KivonGaming]

i am contador fan what is dope

[@toomuch9762]

Vegas Cycling Freak ya it’s called drugs

[@geofflord2739]

Brilliant! I suspect like lots of people I had lots of preconceptions about Alberto,but your videos have changed that,lovely to see what an ordinary funny nice guy he is but what a rider,love it thanks a lot!

[@velo1337]

this footage is just insane, plz GCN give use more of this kind of footage!!!!!!

[@WmCRobison]

Cruising at 300 watts, that is like the max for us mere mortals.

[@mattheww385]

My ftp is currently 306W :/

[@JoshRoss]

What a great video. The end is great. As for power, I wish there was something that could analyze power on the rollers based on cadence and gearing. seems like you'd be able to get a pretty good idea with no elevation or wind resistance and it should be a simple formula. Can't find anything though.

[@purpleblueunicorn]

Josh Ross Either have someone with a power meter build a profile for you or check the manufacterer specs. The trutrainers have such a chart, look up their website, but it won't be the same for your trainer. You only need speed for this which you can measure on your wheel, gearing and cadence gives speed too.

[@kierankirk1997]

Josh Ross strava gives a estimate

[@JoshRoss]

Kieran Kirk​ not if there isn't GPS data.

[@katrinagwen]

This episode never gets old, love it!

[@surfinDelMar]

Wow. The ease of climbing and power a naturally gifted climber puts out is mind blowing.

[@robertphillips3078]

Alberto Contador for me was the best climber of all time....poetry in motion. He was so smooth & tidy. Andy Shleck was also very decent. Lance Armstrong was also excellent. Chris Froome is a gr8 climber as well... but very un orthodox & very messy or untidy. Back to El Pistolero, imagine going 20 minutes plus out of the saddle in training. Will we ever see a climber like him again...... my favorite G.T.R of all time. Aussie Fan

[@rockhopper01]

robert phillips not just a good climber, but explosive. His attacks were dominating, and even in his final year I always had the sense that he was still dangerous.

[@joconnor59]

Alberto was brilliant to watch on a bike brilliant climber dancing on them pedals both alberto and Pantani were the two best climbers made cycling very exciting to watch....maybe now adays Julian Alaphillie.. .but bertie and marco all the way ...Thank you guys for the memories👍🚵‍♂️🚵‍♂️

[@robertphillips3078]

@@joconnor59 yep Julian Alliphalippe is a wonderfull climber. Ritchie Porte is Gr8 2 watch also when he is going well. Froomie also. But l agree Pantani & Contador r poetry in motion.

[@Orgakoyd]

I love the way he rides out of the saddle.

[@garibTV]

"20 minutes off the saddle" was i the only one that heard this... That explains why he looks so conferrable off the saddle.

[@miguel_montenegro]

Great interview! GCN always giving the best information to their subscribers.

[@TheMrBennito]

I have thoroughly enjoyed Alberto's climbing in yesterday's TdF stage to Doix. What a mentality and what a beautiful climber.

[@Cowmageddon]

Great video and respect to Matt for keeping up with Contador for as long as he did. I'd get dropped after 2 seconds.

[@Ob1sdarkside]

Great interview, fair play even being able to talk during that.

[@teamswag1949]

thank you so much GCN and Alberto Contador !!

[@bicyclemicycle952]

Matt's modesty is awe-inspiring! After getting Alberto to spill the beans on climbing, Matt lets Alberto take off like that, and, well, that takes class. Matt's both a gentlemen AND a scholar. LOL Thanks for the quality shows GCN!

[@brianhalpin2621]

After watching this I'm relieved my fluo shoes & helmet are still in fashion for 2015. Great interview, Matt - more like this please during the Giro & Tour. This video motivated me to do two hours in the snow Saturday morning.

[@maxbroby1456]

That has to be the best interview with AC ever! For the first time he comes across as a cool guy. We all love his aggressive riding - but his personality has never been very exciting. Top job guys!

[@PaulveIo]

So nice seeing him again. I actually met him in 2014 and it was an absolute dream 🥰🤩

[@receptayyip1410]

Alberto Contador is an animal, a beast, a monster on two wheels, just incredible, a superhuman when cycling! I would die a thousand deaths when trying what Alberto does!

[@ismegood8969]

also a cheater

[@oneandonlyflow]

You can tell that he's not that tired by listening to him talk.

[@7279616E]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate how lovely the GCN kit is compared to Tinkoff's?

[@pablomarquez4431]

man he's a monster! he wasn't even breathing hard on the climb then he attacks! insane lol

[@hawkmantm465]

Sensational boys!! Easily one of the best videos on cycling (let alone on GCN) I've seen. Such a rare insight. MORE MORE MORE please!!

[@abhijithsatyakumar9320]

Best GCN video ever....we want more of this...

[@jorgecalderon9678]

great video! quite funny see Matt out of breath while Berti was just chilling

[@mikkyochimp]

Bertie is the man, love his riding style. Matt is the man, love his hair. :-) Golden interview. Tinkoff are going to smash it this year with Sagan

[@Reptar530]

try talking to me on a climb...I dare you!

[@cbroofing8159]

hahahaha i know what you mean.

[@roblucchetti2993]

right!!?

[@xXSNipErMonkEy1414Xx]

No words when you're in the zone 😎

[@shown54]

Alex64 hahaha

[@bobohsieh]

喘

[@demanfredo]

Great video as always GCN... It's great to see Alberto in his element... great climber, great advise and a great sense of humor...

[@RichardGutierrezRG]

Thanks GCN, great to see a video 'how to' by Alberto! Very inspiring to see Contador talking about gear and technical sides of his racing. Amazing!

[@peteracain]

Love these one to one interviews with pros while riding. Really inspires me. It would be great to hear to more technical views about descending/cornering from these greats. Well done GCN!

[@markovuruna6501]

One sec while I do 300w with one leg

[@Rikitocker]

Alberto is a beast ... fab interview Matt ... cheers mate!

[@ShadowWizard123]

Contador was a rider of beauty

[@amanimorrell3754]

Just came from the top 10 most used cycling phrases video and I was just so happy to hear Contador say "full gas" 😂

[@jacek2go]

Matt next time you doing interview with Contador take motorcycle!!! Greetings from Canada You doing great job!!!

[@charlie2b-d335]

He makes it look so effortless the guy is gifted no doubt about it.

[@Big_Arn44]

Awesome video....good to see him talk about pantani.Respect

[@Paraverso]

the way he just rockets it in the last moments of the video is incredible

[@pe3nut946]

Great clip. 20 minutes out of the saddle. Amazing. I struggle with 20 seconds LOL

[@jimmycrackedcorn226]

Ha! I was gonna say the same thing. Just thinking about 20 minutes out of the saddle makes my legs scream.

[@roblucchetti2993]

I really think that some people's bodies are more suited to longer time out of the saddle, just like some people are better sprinters or climbers than others.

[@xXSNipErMonkEy1414Xx]

I can stay out of my saddle for about a good 7 minutes while climbing a hill on my fixed gear and once I get a road bike im going to push that even further and further. Once I get gears the real rides start!😎

[@partyplace15]

TheCannabisCorner Gears don't make bike rides. I only change gears when going on a climb or descent.

[@saitenotoshuitsnaini]

Alberto might should've go all the way enter climbing stage by dumping his saddle to reduce weight.

[@pierre-yvesgauthier4106]

Significant cadence difference between Matt and Alberto. Alberto is spinning the whole time.

[@thomashilgers6738]

To Interview Alberto on the bike .... How awesome ! Great stuff !

[@tjvanhousen3561]

Great video ! Contador went on to win the Giro that year 🔥

[@kjakur]

Awesome video! Respect goes out to "the Wig" for keeping up WHILST doing an interview with Bertie.

[@D_in_DC]

Wow! Contador makes it look so easy and effortless.

[@nonya5475]

It is amazing how still his upper body is. Just amazing.

[@ScottyCycles]

Great video! The on the bike interview has been elevated to an other level with the GCN videos. Maybe they can become a weekly thing "Riding with Matty"

[@mikecooper1293]

I came out of the saddle for every climb when I was a novice. But when I got my first road bike, I'd look to match the in saddle high cadence I'd see from pros. Now, after watching this, I think riding out of the saddle works the core, and makes for better sprinting. Deffo going to keep increasing my attacking duration to 20mins, if I can, this year. Helpful vid!

[@bigmikeapa]

I liked this video!! Love on how Contador just quickly toyed with Matt and quickly powered on!!

[@jpoodle]

53/34! Wow, i thought i was the only one! Nice to hear somebody like Alberto uses it as well.

[@konstantinkesper4340]

You can shift down on that exactly ONCE

[@jpoodle]

Konstantin Kesper​ lol, i will be the first to tell you that it works without a dropped chain or without struggle.. BUT it does have its trick... cannot shift from bigxbig combo, but seing as i hardly ever crosschain (because you're not supposed to!), it works great! 

[@jpoodle]

***** it works fine w/my Ultegra front derailleur... but i see no reason why it couldn't work w/any FD if properly adjusted

[@jpoodle]

***** actually it works fine, but i forgot to say... make sure the chain fits small/short/tight around the 53 ring, because it might be too long (the chain) for a 34 that when you shift to the lower half of the cassette, it will hang a smidge low. Actually this set up taught me the importance of not crosschaining for the sake of less drive train/chain wear. Let us know if you try it! I like it just fine for the climbs too (or the flats as well)

[@alexs1429]

Awesome content GCN! Keep up the great work.

[@mightyPants]

It's cool to see he seems like nice guy and is having a good time with the Stephens himself.

[@JT-fn4eu]

Contador what a legendary beast !!

[@rhyswilliams695]

Another great vid Matt. Very entertaining and insightful. Alberto is a phenomenal athlete. Lots of good vibes too between himself and Froome. Healthy competition.

[@ggzii]

That attack looks must better from this PoV then you get on the TV gives a sense of the pace he has

[@jimmypatel1702]

he is obviously on the GEAR riding like that

[@gcn]

No, he's just the best in the World and so you'd hope he could ride like that.

[@mmooppaarr6699]

Global Cycling Network Lance was the best in the world as well.

[@mmooppaarr6699]

It was a troll statement not a retort but I garnered a response so I'm happy. Should I troll bikeradar?

[@TheJanope13]

Well anyone at that level is obviously on the gear. Not that it makes it wrong or unfair since everyone else at the level uses it.

[@netfischer]

Berti is an absolute lean machine at about 60kg with next to none not-essential bodyfat. Matt is fit, but I doubt he´s nowhere near a pro rider at the moment because even if you are talented: if you stop training seriously you lose ALOT... and he´s not nearly as lean! Judging from his athletic physique I´d reckon he wasn`t the typical climber anyway. 300w isn`t that little but it´s definately not unheard of for somewhat trained hobby-riders to put that kind of power out for prolonged durations and most amateurs who arn´t super lightweight should be able to do that kind of easily. Contadors FTP is probably above 400, even without pharmaceutical enhancement. So when Matt says he´s pushing 300, contador is maybe at ~260-270 I´d guess. Thats NOTHING for a pro. Contador has had his fair share of experiences with steaks but he´s served his ban so without any further evidence give the guy a break. And proposing that this video proves or even indicates that he´s on PED´s is ludicrous! He´s one of the most talented guys in the peloton...

[@viley7846]

Best video ever!!!! Allez Contador!!!!!

[@tommysegoro]

This is just incredible .....omg that last attack...300 watts...smiling...hands off the saddle...I rarely hear Alberto's breathing at all...this must be easy for him...LOL

[@TsuraniTsurani]

Awesome, can't wait for the next one

[@pablodientevolvio]

Best gcn video ever Alberto is the best

[@TaffSpick]

WOW! Great video with a jaw dropping ending. Top stuff GCN!👍

[@richardm9688]

I think Matt did well to ride along as best he could while still being able to ask some questions! Great effort, especially considering he was riding uphill next to a man, considered by many, to be one of the top climbers in professional racing!

[@mnbv5555cxz]

Nice job Matt! Excellent interview

[@unicornseatfruit]

matt's hair just isn't as aero as alberto's, that's all.

[@jaguarmendez3838]

unicornseatfruit 😁

[@N3wt199]

Love it. Again another superb interview with Alberto 😃😃

[@alfredoalmeida6754]

Uma lenda do ciclismo Parabéns Alberto Abraço de Aveiro Portugal 🇵🇹 1

[@erminiopreziosi1967]

Eu ❤️ Portugal 🇵🇹

[@stuartmitchell523]

Excellent video guys. Great to see how relaxed Alberto is, and the fooling around. Big fan of gcn as a newby cyclist, learnt loads from your videos. Keep it up.

[@rb8001]

Contador é mesmo um cara diferenciado!

[@altern8ive]

i think Matt should've borrowed The Boss' electric bike so he could've talked more easily :)

[@mikexkennedy]

Interesting talking about ratios. When they used SRAM, Alberto preferred to stay in the big ring for longer and used the WiFli on the hillier stages. Although I'm not a huge fan of SRAM, it's sad to see it used less and less in the pro peloton. Keen to see how their wireless gruppo does.

[@andrewwistance4468]

I love Matts pidgin English every time he speaks to Contador.

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Wow, Matt's in pretty good shape. He was keeping up with Contador, and judging from the way Contador was talking, he was probably going tempo, but certainly not easy. Those accelerations at the end looked effortless because Contador is an explosive rider and is good at attacks like that.

[@ducatimale]

Great interview! More of that PLEASE!

[@ninadchavan5133]

You motivated me for cycling

[@DivingDeveloper]

Best video yet. AC is such a gent, especially at the end :)

[@tamengual]

Great video and great interview. Didn't know Alberto was such a cool and fun guy. I love your channel!

[@bobrossatron]

Great video! I started having a hard time understanding what Contador was saying, but CC kicked in well.

[@cyc00000]

Brilliant video, best one by far, well done guys!

[@KivonGaming]

One of my fave GCN video heheh Alberto Contador is great my favorite climber i want to ride like him

[@MauricioAlsinaLee]

Matt's wig and face was like, "can I die quietly now?". Reminds me to myself after trying to keep up with the elites. Thank you, guys, for this amazing vid. You are the best channel.

[@methunshow]

Knowing what gearing at what category climbs really helps, this gives me a general idea.

[@daveraybiker]

Nice one Matt, almost as steep as Bison Hill in HH!