Introduction: The art and anxiety of descending

There’s a special kind of thrill to descending long mountain passes on a bike. The wind in your face, the rapid turns, the rolling scenery—nothing beats it. But let’s be honest: it can also be intimidating. If you’ve ever white-knuckled your way down an alpine road, you’re not alone. Many riders worry about losing control, braking too hard, or taking a corner too fast. You want to enjoy the speed, but without sacrificing safety.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to build the skills and confidence to make descending not just safe, but one of the best parts of your ride. You’ll learn how to position your body, brake properly, take corners like a pro, and pick the right gear. As the team behind Swiss Cycology Tours, we’ve guided countless cyclists through the world-class roads of the Swiss Alps—so we know what works, and what doesn't. If you're serious about improving your riding, you’re in the right place.

Ideal cycling body position for downhill road riding

Body position is the foundation of confident descending. A stable, relaxed posture helps you stay in control and lets your bike move naturally under you. Keep your grip on the handlebars light—death-gripping the bars only adds tension and reduces your control.

Your weight should be low and centred. Shift your hips slightly back to stabilise your balance on steeper gradients. Drop your heels, bend your elbows slightly, and keep your chest low to lower your centre of gravity. This increases traction and control—especially on rough or uneven surfaces.

Common mistakes cyclists make on descents

Mistakes on descents usually come from tension, poor timing, or over-reliance on brakes. Some riders sit too upright, making them unstable. Others brake mid-corner, which can cause skidding. Another common issue? Looking just a few metres ahead instead of scanning far enough down the road.

One of the biggest pitfalls is overthinking. If you're stiff with nerves, your reactions will be slower and less precise. Practice staying loose and responsive, and your confidence will grow.

Optimal cycling braking technique for descents

Braking is about control, not panic. Apply both brakes smoothly and evenly, rather than grabbing them hard. Abrupt braking, especially on steep or wet surfaces, can cause skidding or loss of control. Instead, learn to ‘modulate’ your braking pressure—squeeze and ease.

Most of your braking should happen ‘before’ a corner, in what’s called the ‘braking zone’. This gives you time to scrub speed before the turn, so you can focus on steering through the bend, not fighting momentum.

Avoid braking ‘in’ the corner unless absolutely necessary. If you have to, apply only the rear brake gently to avoid unsettling the front wheel.

Cornering: finding the fast line safely

Good cornering is equal parts vision, technique and trust. First, look well ahead—your bike will follow your eyes. Pick a clean, predictable line: wide on entry, cut the apex, and exit wide again. This arc is the safest and fastest path through a turn.

Use your body to lean into the turn, not just your handlebars. Shift a little weight onto your outside pedal (which should be at the bottom of the pedal stroke), and press lightly on the inside handlebar. This keeps your balance stable and your grip strong.

Avoid oversteering—most riders turn too sharply, which reduces control and causes sudden corrections mid-corner. Flow through the turn instead.

Here's a short video to give you some descending inspiration!

Gear selection for downhill riding

It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s smart to stay in a gear that allows for light pedalling, even while descending. This keeps your legs engaged and ready to make minor adjustments to balance or power when needed.

Spinning lightly also prevents your legs from ‘switching off,’ helping you stay more mentally connected to the bike. It also means you’re ready to accelerate if you hit a flat section or need to power out of a corner.

Why not perfect your skills on a Swiss Cycology tour?

The best way to master these techniques is through guided experience—and there’s no better classroom than the Swiss Alps. At Swiss Cycology Tours, we tailor each tour to your experience level, with expert guidance, daily rides, and practical tips you can put into action immediately.

From smooth hairpins to rugged descents, you’ll build real-world confidence under the care of our experienced team. You’ll also get to ride in one of the most spectacular cycling destinations on Earth.

Conclusion: trust your skills, enjoy the ride

Descending should be a highlight, not a hazard. With the right body position, smart braking, and good cornering technique, you’ll ride faster, safer, and with far more enjoyment. Take the time to practise, trust your equipment, and stay loose.

Got questions? Curious about joining one of our guided Swiss adventures? Contact us—we’d love to help you take your riding to the next level.

Author: Lee Hewett