Riding in groups - semi-vent

[Eden]

Now I'm a little confused.

Everyone I've asked has told me that the front rider does not work any harder if someone is drafting. They take turns because the front person gets tired faster because they're the only one in the group NOT drafting off someone else.

I've also been told that drafting reduces the amount of effort required by about 30 percent.

Anyone else have any facts about this?

Yes - you are correct, the person in the front does not work any harder when they have someone drafting them than they would have to if they were alone.

[Pedal Wench]

In fact, I've heard that the person riding in the front gets a slight benefit too - something like 5%, because if the reduction of turbulance pulling them back.

[li10up]

In fact, I've heard that the person riding in the front gets a slight benefit too - something like 5%, because if the reduction of turbulance pulling them back.

They talked about that on OLN during the TdF. Lead rider gets some but very little benefit of someone drafting off of him/her. Those close to the front have about a 30% reduction in their effort and those in the large pack have even more of a benefit. Drafting is so cool. It's amazing how the person in front can just be spinning away and to stay on their wheel you can be coasting at times.

[bcipam]

Yes - you are correct, the person in the front does not work any harder when they have someone drafting them than they would have to if they were alone.

I think the confusion is maybe my first response - the front rider does not get the benefit of the draft so it's like he or she were out riding alone which means he or she is working harder than those that are drafting. Those behind the lead riders get a 30% reduction in their effort so there is great benefit in drafting and this explains why the lead always rotates out and everyone should take a turn pulling.

By pulling other riders, the effort is not increase - in otherwords the drafting riders do not cause anymore effort, but the lead rider gets no benefit or help.

Clear? Best way to understand is to go out with some friends and try it. You will understand its better to be the draftee than the draftor!

[Eden]

I think the confusion is maybe my first response - the front rider does not get the benefit of the draft so it's like he or she were out riding alone which means he or she is working harder than those that are drafting. Those behind the lead riders get a 30% reduction in their effort so there is great benefit in drafting and this explains why the lead always rotates out and everyone should take a turn pulling.

By pulling other riders, the effort is not increase - in otherwords the drafting riders do not cause anymore effort, but the lead rider gets no benefit or help.

Clear? Best way to understand is to go out with some friends and try it. You will understand its better to be the draftee than the draftor!

Believe me at 5ft I probably understand the benefits of drafting better than most. I can get what most people need a peleton for out of one nice large person out front. If you look at my ITT results I'm not necessarily the strongest rider out there, but I generally do well in road races because I can take advantage of the group - or even just a few in a break. Even when I take my turn at the front, when I rotate off I get a bigger rest than the poor person who has to follow me.

I have seen many people under the misconception that a drafter in some way holds you back. They complain about unwanted drafters at large events. There are legitimate reasons for not wanting someone right on your wheel, but thinking that they are hurting your performance in any way isn't one of them. If you give someone permission to draft don't be too bugged if your pace pressures them more than they can handle on the front. I draft my husband often. His pace is just fine for me if I can stay tucked in behind - but often more than I can handle if you toss me out in the wind. If I draft him continuously we both get a good workout.

Some of that confusion may come from racing commentary. Yes its true that in a race "sitting in" on a break is detrimental to the break. That rider may get to the front and intentionally slow the pace or break up the rhythm of the paceline. Or a person may just sit in and while she isn't really slowing the pace if she worked the break could possibly be going faster.