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When I’ve asked some of my friends why professional cycling doesn’t interest them, most tell me it’s because it’s portrayed as an individual sport when it’s clearly not. And they’re right; cycling is just as much a team sport as football or soccer. But if one takes the time to understand the dynamic between a team’s members, they would see the level of gratitude everyone shares for each other’s work.
A great example of this teamwork is the success of British cyclist Mark Cavendish, or as the analysts call him, the “Manx Missile”. Now, every cycling team is a hodgepodge of riders with different skills. There are climbers, sprinters, and all-arounders: people who are talented in every area. Because of Mark’s compact frame and explosive acceleration, Cavendish has become one of the sport’s greatest sprinters of all time. Just watch this clip of Mark winning the last stage of the 2009 Tour de France.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCUD0CPKJSM&feature=related]Mark Cavendish wins on the Champs Élysées - YouTube[/ame]
Impressive right? Well if you’re upset how it looked like he stole all the glory, Mark would be the first to admit that he wouldn’t be in a position to win that stage if it wasn’t for his teammates’ help. This example perfectly demonstrates the importance of the perfect paceline.
In the beginning of the above video when you see the two riders from Cavendish’s team break to the left of the leaders, you’re witnessing the formation of a single paceline. This is where a group of riders form a single line, maintaining a constant speed. In this case, coming up to the sprint at the finish, all three riders accelerate together with Mark in the rear conserving the most energy. As the rider in front tires, he pulls off to the side and drifts to the back of the line forcing the second rider to set the pace.
Outside of this instant, a single paceline is used when a road is narrow or congested with cyclists. Each rider will normally hold the front for a minute or two before letting the rider behind him come up.
There are also two other types of pacelines called the double and echelon. The double, also known as the rotating or circular paceline, consists of two lines of riders with one side moving faster than the other. If you’re in the faster lane you are on the side that is continually moving up, so when one reaches the front of the line they simply switch over to the slower side, keeping the whole process moving. Then when you reach the end of the slow line, you slide back into the fast one.
Sometimes though the wind won’t be blowing parallel to the roadway. This is where it’s best to form a general echelon. There is no concise operation to this process but it always seems to work out when you’re part of one.
Essentially, this technique is just a double paceline at an angle. To determine which direction you rotate, always move into the crosswind. This way the advancing line that is already working harder gets some protection from the wind. Since wheels often overlap one another while executing this system, you should never practice it on a busy road.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQhj20S2PAM]Sand Hollow Paceline 3 12 10 - YouTube[/ame]
A difficult part of executing a double paceline is finding a rhythm everyone can work with. Not every rider is likely to be in the same physical condition or ride at the same cadence, so some compromises must be made. Generally though, you’ll find yourself leading a double paceline for no more than 30 seconds.
Another aspect that isn’t always clear is how far away you should be from the nearest cyclist. In order for a paceline to be efficient, riders must be grouped as tightly as possible to reduce air resistance for those in the rear. A good rule is to remain within elbow bumping distance. So in other words, if you can’t reach your buddy’s shoulder you’re too far away.
Let people know if you’re tired. They will often let you hang on the back for a few rotations while you recover. Also, never slam on the brakes. If you need to decelerate, try sitting up to catch some of the wind. And remember to always keep your attention several yards on the road in front of you.
A great example of this teamwork is the success of British cyclist Mark Cavendish, or as the analysts call him, the “Manx Missile”. Now, every cycling team is a hodgepodge of riders with different skills. There are climbers, sprinters, and all-arounders: people who are talented in every area. Because of Mark’s compact frame and explosive acceleration, Cavendish has become one of the sport’s greatest sprinters of all time. Just watch this clip of Mark winning the last stage of the 2009 Tour de France.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCUD0CPKJSM&feature=related]Mark Cavendish wins on the Champs Élysées - YouTube[/ame]
Impressive right? Well if you’re upset how it looked like he stole all the glory, Mark would be the first to admit that he wouldn’t be in a position to win that stage if it wasn’t for his teammates’ help. This example perfectly demonstrates the importance of the perfect paceline.
In the beginning of the above video when you see the two riders from Cavendish’s team break to the left of the leaders, you’re witnessing the formation of a single paceline. This is where a group of riders form a single line, maintaining a constant speed. In this case, coming up to the sprint at the finish, all three riders accelerate together with Mark in the rear conserving the most energy. As the rider in front tires, he pulls off to the side and drifts to the back of the line forcing the second rider to set the pace.
Outside of this instant, a single paceline is used when a road is narrow or congested with cyclists. Each rider will normally hold the front for a minute or two before letting the rider behind him come up.
There are also two other types of pacelines called the double and echelon. The double, also known as the rotating or circular paceline, consists of two lines of riders with one side moving faster than the other. If you’re in the faster lane you are on the side that is continually moving up, so when one reaches the front of the line they simply switch over to the slower side, keeping the whole process moving. Then when you reach the end of the slow line, you slide back into the fast one.
Sometimes though the wind won’t be blowing parallel to the roadway. This is where it’s best to form a general echelon. There is no concise operation to this process but it always seems to work out when you’re part of one.
Essentially, this technique is just a double paceline at an angle. To determine which direction you rotate, always move into the crosswind. This way the advancing line that is already working harder gets some protection from the wind. Since wheels often overlap one another while executing this system, you should never practice it on a busy road.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQhj20S2PAM]Sand Hollow Paceline 3 12 10 - YouTube[/ame]
A difficult part of executing a double paceline is finding a rhythm everyone can work with. Not every rider is likely to be in the same physical condition or ride at the same cadence, so some compromises must be made. Generally though, you’ll find yourself leading a double paceline for no more than 30 seconds.
Another aspect that isn’t always clear is how far away you should be from the nearest cyclist. In order for a paceline to be efficient, riders must be grouped as tightly as possible to reduce air resistance for those in the rear. A good rule is to remain within elbow bumping distance. So in other words, if you can’t reach your buddy’s shoulder you’re too far away.
Let people know if you’re tired. They will often let you hang on the back for a few rotations while you recover. Also, never slam on the brakes. If you need to decelerate, try sitting up to catch some of the wind. And remember to always keep your attention several yards on the road in front of you.