:: Learn To Ride In The Peloton ::
:: Precision Cycle Racing Team ::
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by Ramlan A Latff
You’ve got your bike, you’ve been training diligently, and your bike handling skills are improving. The
next step – learning to ride the PELOTON. It’s one of the main attractions in road cycling and an
essential skill to learn for both the recreational and competitive cyclist.
So what is a peloton? Simply, it’s a group of cyclists, riding wheel-to-wheel and shoulder-to-shoulder,
sheltering in each other’s draft. The leading cyclists take the brunt of the wind resistance and act as a
windbreak for the others. All the following cyclists are effectively sheltered until they take their turn to
lead. The lead cyclists will maintain the speed for a time, gives up the lead to move smoothly to the back
of the group, recover from the effort, and wait their turn again.
The major limitation on bicycle speed is air resistance so by constantly changing the lead cyclists, the
peloton is able to maintain much higher speeds and with less effort than can be achieved by the lone
cyclist. Most of the tactics in bicycle racing are thus based on overcoming and exploiting the effects of air
resistance.
Besides the greater efficiency and higher speeds of riding in a peloton, the peloton also provides
excellent motivation for the cyclists to maintain a regular training schedule. The value in the ability to
carry on a conversation with the rider next to you cannot be discounted. Many local cyclists spend years
riding the many weekday and weekend group rides around Singapore, and enjoying the camaraderie of
fellow cyclists, without even joining a club or even competing in a race.
Group riding has also the added advantage of greatly enhancing visibility and safety of the cyclists.
Being responsible while riding on the roads has the potential to improve the image of cyclists and
acceptance by others of cyclists as legitimate road users. We are sharing the road but in the interest of
your own safety, always expect to give way to others. No point spoiling your day entertaining a wayward
and inconsiderate road user.
Riding in the peloton does however require sufficient bike handling skills and awareness of the
mechanics and etiquette of the peloton to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone. Riding in a
pack can be dangerous. While the information below can make you more aware of the issues and
techniques required, it is not a substitute for the assistance of experienced riders and coaches who can
explain things on the road.
You’ve got your bike, you’ve been training diligently, and your bike handling skills are improving. The
next step – learning to ride the PELOTON. It’s one of the main attractions in road cycling and an
essential skill to learn for both the recreational and competitive cyclist.
So what is a peloton? Simply, it’s a group of cyclists, riding wheel-to-wheel and shoulder-to-shoulder,
sheltering in each other’s draft. The leading cyclists take the brunt of the wind resistance and act as a
windbreak for the others. All the following cyclists are effectively sheltered until they take their turn to
lead. The lead cyclists will maintain the speed for a time, gives up the lead to move smoothly to the back
of the group, recover from the effort, and wait their turn again.
The major limitation on bicycle speed is air resistance so by constantly changing the lead cyclists, the
peloton is able to maintain much higher speeds and with less effort than can be achieved by the lone
cyclist. Most of the tactics in bicycle racing are thus based on overcoming and exploiting the effects of air
resistance.
Besides the greater efficiency and higher speeds of riding in a peloton, the peloton also provides
excellent motivation for the cyclists to maintain a regular training schedule. The value in the ability to
carry on a conversation with the rider next to you cannot be discounted. Many local cyclists spend years
riding the many weekday and weekend group rides around Singapore, and enjoying the camaraderie of
fellow cyclists, without even joining a club or even competing in a race.
Group riding has also the added advantage of greatly enhancing visibility and safety of the cyclists.
Being responsible while riding on the roads has the potential to improve the image of cyclists and
acceptance by others of cyclists as legitimate road users. We are sharing the road but in the interest of
your own safety, always expect to give way to others. No point spoiling your day entertaining a wayward
and inconsiderate road user.
Riding in the peloton does however require sufficient bike handling skills and awareness of the
mechanics and etiquette of the peloton to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone. Riding in a
pack can be dangerous. While the information below can make you more aware of the issues and
techniques required, it is not a substitute for the assistance of experienced riders and coaches who can
explain things on the road.