I can ascend hard (on a day when I'm not knackered)
I can descend like a demon.

So why aren't I up there in the races???

Because I'm sh1t on the flat!!! (oh yes & naturally there is always someone who can ascend & descend harder than you - the guy who wins the races generally).

That's where a lot of the difference is made!!!

As for descending well, the secret is as they say "brains off, brakes off". Let yourself relax, don't check your descent (trying to hold yourelf back is a ticket to the injury you think you're preventing). Sugar, better not give too many secrets away, or else more road runners will be coming on the fells & we won't be able to take ground back on the descents now they know our secrets!!!