Bicycle Drafting

Cycling is an amazing sport that provides a sense of camaraderie and teamwork once a few advanced riding skills are acquired. Riding in cohesion with friends can raise the quality of a training session and create a sense of teamwork on two wheels. As you become a more experienced rider, you will find that riding in a paceline is an exciting way to enhance your riding experience.

In road racing, bicyclists group together in a pack known as a "peloton" or "pace line" or "echelon". In a paceline, the front rider breaks the wind, allowing the riders behind to draft him. By drafting the bicycle in front of you, you can reduce your energy output considerably. To be effectively drafting, a cyclist needs to be as close as possible to the bicycle in front of him, as the shorter the distance the larger the decrease in wind resistance. This has the effect of allowing the overall group to move faster than its riders could alone. Cyclists who are part of the group can save up to 40 percent in energy expenditure, over a cyclist who is not drafting within such echelon.

Pacelines are either single or double. In a single paceline, everyone lines up behind the first rider, who maintains a constant speed. The rotation occurs when the front rider pulls off to the side and drifts to the back of the line. The next rider then sets the pace. Riders stay on the front for a few seconds to several minutes. This type of paceline has the advantage of requiring less road space.

A double echelon, also known as a rotating paceline, contains two lines of riders side by side, continuously in motion. One line goes slightly faster than the other. Let's say you're the lead rider in the faster line. You should cross over to the slow line after passing the front wheel of the rider beside you (the front rider in the slower line). Then you drift back with the others in the slow line. When the final position is reached (back of the line), slide onto the back wheel of the last rider in the fast line.

Drafting can be cooperative, in which several competitors take turns in the lead position (which requires the most effort and energy consumption). Or, it can be competitive or tactical, where one competitor will try to stay closely behind another leaving him or her more energy for a break-away push to the finish line.

Tips for Riding in a Paceline

• Get used to following closely to the rider in front of you to get the benefit of the draft. Top riders feel comfortable riding within inches of the wheel in front; however, if you are not a top rider, leave some room. In a rotating paceline, stay as close together side to side.
• Always provide hand signals to signal debris, other riders, autos, pedestrians, turns and pace line rotations. Give these hand signals for four or more seconds in advance.
• Pass the appropriate hand signal down the pace line from rider to rider.
• Keep your eyes up at all times so you can see what is happening.
• Avoid looking at the ground in front of you or the rear wheel of the rider ahead of you.
• Don't open gaps! If you find yourself behind a gap close it slowly. A skilled group will remain in a tight paceline through 95% of an average ride.
• A consistent pace is key. Try establishing a pedaling rhythm before reaching the front, and maintain it until just after pulling off. If you're feeling especially strong accelerate and/or take a longer pull but if you do increase the pace do it gradually.
• When moving from a seated to a standing position, stay on the power so you do not fall back into the bike behind you.
• Always look at the arms and shoulders of the rider in front of you. This gives you the best indication of a quick turn or change in direction usually associated with debris or obstacles.
• Maintain your speed when pulling off the front of the pace line. Once you have cleared the front of the pace line, decrease your speed and get to the back quickly for a deserved rest.
• Put weaker riders behind stronger ones. A paceline is a team. It's only as strong as its weakest member is, so help that person.

Individuals riding as a group can cover distances much faster than one individual and save energy at the same time, as long as the group works well together and safety remains the number one concern. Let the power of the group lift your cycling to the next level. By getting comfortable riding with others you can eventually ride with more advanced riders in order to learn even more cycling skills and tips. Reaching speeds unachievable as an individual can bring incredible lasting rewards for all involved.