If You’re Not Moving Forwards, You’re Moving Backwards

June 22, 2009

philly06_hn_peloton_reaches_manyunk

You’ve probably been in a situation during a race where some sly bugger keeps stealing the wheel you were sitting comfortably behind. As this happens again and again the next thing you know you’re at the back of the bunch. If you’re not that guy moving up wheel by wheel then you’re not going to keep a decent position in the pack. Since there’s always people moving up in the pack, you’re position is never static. Even if you keep the wheel you’re sitting on, you’re still effectively moving backwards in the peloton. It takes some confidence and skill but once you master how to move up in the pack, it’ll save you a lot of energy and allow you to be in a better position.

One thing that works well is moving up on the inside of the road (watch far ahead for changes in the road conditions!). Carefully move up until there’s no more room to continue. Gently put the back of your hand on the hip of the guy in front of you who is blocking your path to let him know you’re there and coming through. Most of the time the guy will move over and let you keep rolling up through the pack no problems. Try it sometime – Just not Theo Bos style in a sprint. Don’t do it aggressively (or TOO GENTLY – he may get the wrong idea!).

This is only one of many maneuvers you can use to move your way up through the pack. Its one of the easiest and most polite strategies.

tags: racing, tactics

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LSDsnr

I’m not sure that promoting ‘going up the inside’ is a great idea. When you are a youngster on the track you are always taught to not go underneth (up the inside) as it is even more dangerous on the track. Plus once you run out of track/road you have no where go if trouble happen ahead.

As you mentioned some riders may get the wrong idea and shut the door. Others will just slam it in your face (ie; jam you in the gutter) So riders out there please don’t be offended if some riders don’t like you going up the inside.

It’s not a never ever do it, just pick and choose when it is the right time and right rider you’re going to ‘move’ out of the way. Rolling over the top of the bunch is a better idea of getting to the pointy end of te bunch.

Just my 2c worth.
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I agree LSD – “inside suicide” on the track – definitely. Also, taking hands off the bars in close range of other riders can be dangerous for beginners as well. I should have put the disclaimer that you should only pull this stuff off after you’re skilled and confident enough in a group.

Just letting everyone out there know that this is what’s done at the higher levels. At the tour of Canberra last month I saw a guy who was clearly inexperienced (but strong) and constantly tried to come through on the inside but was shut down and thrown off the road into the gutter everytime he attempted this. Use at your discretion. When the race is going full tilt, don’t even think about it!

WW
LSDsnr

Very well worded WW :)
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