Mountain Bike racing in all disciplines is growing in popularity, and this means more people challenging you for the top positions. Cross-country races are still the most prevalent mountain bike race format in the United States. These tips are designed for the sixty-minute or less cross-country format race, and may be just the edge that you need to meet your goals for the season. You’ll see your stronger training buddy wondering why you’re the one on the podium, when he recently smoked you on your regular training hill. Use these tips to help you advance, whether it is from the back of the pack to the middle, or from the middle to the front. Go For Pole Position As Mountain Bikers, we are generally passive non-confrontational people. It goes against our grain to be overly aggressive. You are probably thinking you can start the race at a moderate pace, and if you feel strong, then pass. Unless you know that even at your best you are a bottom 75th percentile finisher, then start clo...