Break aways and bunches

Most of the tactics in cycle racing have evolved due to the
effect of wind resistance on a bicycle rider.

If you’ve ever cycled at speed down a long hill you’ll have a
good idea of how much wind resistance there is at speeds
of 40 to 60 km/h.

However if a cyclist tucks in behind another the wind
resistance is cut dramatically because of the slipstream
created by the first rider. In fact it’s thought that the rider
following can save up to 30 per cent of their energy whilst
traveling at the same speed.

It only works if the following rider is very close. That’s why
racing cyclists travel so close together and are nearly always
in a big bunch or peleton.

It would take a superhuman effort to stay at the front for a
whole race and still be competitive at the finish so cyclists
take turns to be the front runner. Riders will typically stay at
the front for about 200 metres then swing over so the next
cyclist can take over the pace making. Swapping turns in this
way lets a group of riders travel at a higher average speed
than if they all rode individually.

During a race riders will sometimes try to break-away. By
creating a gap following riders can’t benefit from the slipstream
of those ahead. But of course it is more difficult to ride on your
own so most successful break-aways contain a number riders.

They may be rivals but the break-away riders will share the
work during the race to give themselves a chance of winning.
Of course they face a dilemma. Ideally you want to save some
of your energy while your competitors continue to work hard.
If too many adopt the same tactic the pace drops and you are
caught.

The bigger dilemma is at the finish. You must stay behind for
as long as possible to benefit from the reduced wind resistance
but at some point you must make your move to the front. No
wonder they call it chess on wheels.

Stars and water carriers

Elite cycling is conducted as a team sport. The best teams assign different tasks to each rider. Some are given support roles and are known by the French word domestique. If this is your job on the team you will be called on to do pace making, pick up food and drinks for your team mates, you may even have to give up a wheel if a team mate punctures.

Each team will have its protected riders or leaders. They are the ones who are expected to challenge for victory at the end of the day. These are the big names like Lance Armstrong and Cadel Evans. In the early part of a race the leaders try not to use up precious energy but they know at some point they will have to call on all their talent, fitness and strength to earn victory.

Only one rider can win but all members of the team will celebrate a victory. Think of it like a football or cricket team.

When Cadel Evans won the world championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland he had eight team mates in the race. They each contributed to his victory by setting the pace or covering breakaways at different times.

For most races on the international calendar the teams are sponsored by large companies and will be composed of riders of various nationalities. Cadel Evans for instance rides for a Belgian based team jointly sponsored by a pharmaceutical firm and lottery company.

At the Olympics and at the world championships the riders compete for their country. So in Geelong in 2010 the Aussies will be in the white, green and gold jerseys of Australia.

Parlez vous cycling?

By tradition French is the international language of cycling. Even English speakers tend to use the French terms, some of which are quite obscure, even romantic.

You may be familiar with the word peleton, which is used to describe the main group of riders in a race. It derives from the French word for platoon.

Another common phrase is tete de la course, which is used to denote the leaders during the race. It translates as at the head of the race.

The rider in last position in the Tour de France is called the lanterne rouge, literally red lantern - like those once found on the last carriage of a train.

The lanterne rouge is a popular figure. It’s said that the riders at the back of the race actually ‘compete’ to finish last because of the extra publicity accorded the lanterne rouge.

Of course you must beware the voiture balai – the broom wagon. This is the vehicle that travels behind the race to ‘sweep up’ those unfortunates who through exhaustion, illness or injury can no longer bear to turn another pedal stroke.

A symbolic broom is often mounted on the van or truck.

• Visit our glossary for an explanation of all the common cycling terms.