by Eileen Brodie

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 17, 2009

In the sport of bicycle racing, it is common for groups of riders to break up, and hotly contested events usually mean that everyone does not arrive at the finish line as one. Instead they arrange themselves into various groups as terrain, tactics, and abilities dictate. Often a few daring riders attempt to win by jumping away from the other riders in what is called a breakaway; usually less than a handful of riders. In their wake, they leave the peloton. The word peloton is defined by Merriam Webster as: the main body of riders in a bicycle race; the literal French translation isball.

As you watch a peloton roll down the road, remember that riders at the front are working harder than those hidden in their slipstream. Because of this, the faces at the front are constantly rotating. It takes strong riders to dominate the front of a peloton, but strength and skill is required to be included in any part of this virtual train of riders. A fit cyclist with phenomenal strength is not assured of a place in the peloton, without first knowing and being able to execute various skills.

Some elements of a peloton:

Speed; riders move at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour (48 kph)

Relative effort; riders at the front work hardest; pushing against the air envelope

Flux; constantly changing location of riders in the peloton

Communication; teams need to stay in contact

Risk; close proximity at high speed is dangerous, crashes always possible

Reward; savvy riders benefit the most from good position in the peloton

Course visibility; difficult to see obstacles obscured by mass of riders in front

Some secrets to riding in a peloton:

Agility and good reflexes; to respond to terrain and riders around you (i.e. good bike handling)

Fitness; must be able to ride at high speeds for required distance

Alertness; constantly scanning for hazards and tactical opportunities

Vigilance; it takes only seconds to fall back in position, constantly need to maintain spot in peloton

Awareness; know who is where and what final outcome may result, watch for breakaways

Fearlessness; trusting own skills, ability to focus down the road and ignore risk and pain

Consistency; not being erratic or endangering other riders, helping teammates

Intelligence; knowing tactics, wind direction, own ability, and overall strategy, among other things

Patience; waiting for best opportunity to advance, not wasting effort

Seasoned racers know that the skill-set they use in the peloton is made up

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