Skills

Many cyclists use standing -- pedaling up out of the saddle -- only for hard efforts such as sprinting or steep grades. It's stand, thrash, sit.  Learning to stand while relaxed is a great addition to a rider's skillset. It engages different muscles than pedaling seated, making it a nice way to give those seated muscles a rest or a stretch. It's useful on long climbs. Being comfortable transitioning smoothly between sitting and standing is also helpful on rolling terrain or on rough ground where maintaining momentum is important.