[inopinatus]

I thought I was a great descender until I rode with a group of retired pro. They're not just following amazingly fast lines (they know most of the Alps like old friends) - their first-class handling skills allow them to do things that'd get me killed. Things like crossing the centre line into a blind turn on a busy road, bunny-hopping a fallen log at >90 kph, cornering whilst unseated on the top tube. Stuff no amateur should even consider. When they are in trouble (e.g. that blind corner had an oncoming car) they get out of it faster and more precisely and intuitively than I could ever hope to.

It might seem reasonable when you consider they spend kilohours riding, moreover in the company of other world-class athletes, but it's astonishing and terrifying to watch.

Of course, most of them also have war stories to tell, and all of them have shattered ribs, clavicles, vertebrae, pelvic bones at some point in their career. Because beyond the envelope there's nothing but injury and pain and occasionally and very tragically, death.

The very best bicycle descender of my personal acquaintance is a former Moto GP competitor. He has lightning reflexes and an amazing feel for the dynamics of any two-wheeled machine. I'm glad to say he shares his knowledge and occasionally runs free cornering workshops. My ability to read a corner has been greatly enhanced by his teaching, I think he saves lives.