by Marin Katusa
Katusa Research
It’s a well-known strategy in cycling to win races.
Cyclists ride in a peloton formation to conserve energy by drafting behind lead riders.
The cyclists take turns being in the front and spending most of the energy. But for the riders behind the leaders, the resulting decrease in air resistance – drag – is incredible.
In a race where winners and losers are separated by seconds, this strategy can reduce drag by 5-10%.
Stretch that reduction over hundreds of miles and the amount of energy saved adds up – in a big way. This allows riders to sprint to the front with much more energy.