How To Actually Ride Well In Peloton

Posted by tan xiao yan on

In order to take advantages of the benefits that peloton could bring to, more and more cyclists choose to join in the peloton cycling. Indeed, peloton enjoys a high reputation among pro cyclists. Cyclists tend to ride close near other riders so as to save energy in the peloton. The complex cooperative and competitive interaction in the peloton is also one of the main reasons that why plenty of cyclists are crazy about peloton. Believe it or not, in the middle of a well-developed peloton group, the reduction of the wind drag is dramatic, usually could be as much as 40%. No wonder peloton is attracting so many cyclists from all over the world to take part it. As a regular rider for years, I have ever had the chance to join it once, it is amazing! Every cyclist should have a try on it if possible. However, before you really take on an action. Today, I would like to tell you some secrets on how to ride in the peloton. Here we go.

Relax
relax when riding on pelotonThere is no doubt that peloton is an extremely professional riding group, nearly all of cyclists dream of joining it. Thus, it is natural for you to be nervous when being part of the team, especially while it is the first time for you. Despite that, I must say you have to learn to take it easy. Only when you relax and learn to move with the flow of the group, can you really enjoy yourself in the peloton and improve your riding skills. Of course, if joining a peloton before without any relevant experience is too hard for you, why not try to ride with some of your friends in advance? After several times of riding with others, you have gained some group riding experience, you will have a clear idea on how to cooperate with others to achieve the minimum draft and ride in the safest speed.

Relax when cycling in peloton helps to gain more comfort and improve your bike handling skills as well as make informed tactical decisions.

Look ahead
According to my own experience, it is quite easy to get distracted when riding with others in a group. Sometimes, you can’t help observing others and looking around. If you also have such bad habit as me, quit it immediately, it is dangerous. When riding in the peloton, looking ahead is the top priority you should always keep in mind. Keep your eyes on the road ahead of you but not only the rider in front of you. Always keep your head up and be aware. Be aware of corners, potholes and so on, which is aiming to protect you from those unnecessary injuries.

Get fueled early
This tip actually is not only for riding in the peloton, but rather for all kinds cycling feullingof cycling. Cycling is a relative high-intensity activity, you must ensure that you have got enough nutrition and energy for your no matter short or long riding. There are two main things you require to supplement from time to time when cycling, carbohydrates and protein. Make sure that you have prepared food that is rich in carbohydrates and protein, yes, not only before the cycling, during and after the cycling, you should also ensure yourself stay fueled. Avoid eating food or drink something until you too hungry to ride, which will do great harm to your health. General speaking, it is highly recommended that when you are riding along in the bunch, try to eat nearly 350 calories an hour, and stay hydrated by drinking one or two bottles each hour.

Hide your suffering
Well, this tip is specifically aimed to deal with your competitors. Since we are talking about how to ride in the peloton, of course, competitors are an indispensable part of it. Because peloton is usually related to a competition, to win is a very direct purpose when joining a peloton. When you are in an extremely good condition, don’t show it to your competitors, they will try to attack you and win you over. In the same principle, if you are in a poor condition and suffering, don’t show to your competitors either. They will know your weakness and speed up to win you over. Therefore, no matter you are feeling good or bad, don’t show to it, stay calm and normal. Don’t give your competitors a chance to know your condition and win you over.

riding ahead of a peloton

Stay up front
No matter you are new or have been a quite experienced cyclist in the peloton, stay up front is a perfect option for you. The reason is actually quite simple, cycling ahead of the group can avoid crashes. In addition to this, when staying towards the front of the team, you will not feel the whip of elastic, which you will surely experience at the back of the group. Of course, there is also something you should pay attention to when riding ahead of the group, that is you ought to be ready for attacks at any time and stay ahead of splits in the group. General speaking, a good place to be is in the first 10 to 20 riders, you can out of trouble as well as save energy, which will help to prepare to win.

Make allies
ride well in a pelotonMaking some like-minded friends definitely, makes a huge difference in your cycling in the peloton. Be respectful of other riders in the group. Nobody likes a loudmouth or a dangerous, inconsiderate rider. If people like you, they are more likely to cooperate in the breakaways and let you into the line to get a draft.

To recap

Taking part in the peloton is an excellent chance for every cyclist to improve their cycling skills and experience. However, joining the peloton is just a quick thought, how to ride well in the peloton is a quite significant lesson that every cyclist needs to learn carefully. As long as you grasp the peloton cycling knowledge, can you actually enjoy the wonderful time when riding in the peloton. I really hope all the tips I have introduced above could actually help you on cycling in the peloton. If you have any better ideas, welcome to leave your messages to me. For further more relative information, please read on our website: