1.
Be predictable with all
actions. Maintain a
steady straight line and
avoid braking or
changing direction
suddenly, especially if
contesting a sprint.
Remember that there are
riders following closely
behind. To slow down
gradually move out into
the wind and slot back
into position in the
bunch.
2.
Point and call out any
road hazards ahead.
These include pot-holes,
drain grates, stray
animals, opening car
doors, parked cars,
etc.(Sundo will kindly
inform you if you
neglect to do this)
3.
Don’t overlap wheels. A
slight direction change
or gust of wind could
easily cause a touch of
wheels.
4.
Pedal down hill when at
the front of a bunch.
Cyclists dislike having
to ride constantly under
brakes.
5.
Stay to the left when in
front to allow room for
others to pass safely on
the right, particularly
in traffic. Pass other
riders on their right
hand side whenever
possible.
6.
Be smooth with turns at
the front of a group.
Avoid surges unless
trying to break from the
bunch. A group will
travel quicker when
turns are completed
smoothly.
7.
Avoid leaving gaps when
following wheels.
Cyclists save about 30%
of their energy at high
speed by following a
wheel. Each time a gap
is left, riding is so
much more difficult.
Also, riders behind you
will become annoyed and
ride around you,
especially if the bunch
is working together to
break away or catch a
break-away group.
8.
When climbing hills
avoid following a wheel
to closely. Many riders
often lose their
momentum when rising out
of the seat in a hill
which can cause a sudden
deceleration. This can
often catch a rider who
is following too
closely, resulting in a
fall from a wheel
touching
9.
Don’t panic if contact
is made with other
riders. Try to stay
relaxed in the upper
body to absorb any
bumps. Contact is a part
of cycle racing in close
bunches and is quite
safe provided riders do
not panic, brake or
change direction
suddenly.
-
ATTACK:
A sudden
explosive/aggressive
surge in speed aimed
at cycling away from
another rider or
group of riders.
-
BUNCH:
A group of
6 or more cyclists.
The main bunch in a
race is often
referred to as the
peleton or pack.
-
BREAK/ BREAK AWAY:
A rider or group of
riders that have
gained distance
ahead of the main
race bunch.
-
HANDICAPS:
Some events grade
riders based on
their ability. This
is determined from
previous events.
Generally all open
events are graded.
-
SITTING-ON/
DRAFTING:
This is where a
cyclist rides
directly behind
another to conserve
energy by slip
streaming. A rider
is shielded from the
wind, which makes
riding easier.
-
DROPPED:
Describes riders
that have failed to
keep pace with the
group/bunch they
were riding with.
-
MASSED START:
Events where all
competitors line up
together and leave
the starting line at
the same time.
-
KNICKS:
Padded lycra bike
shorts.
-
LEADOUT:
A race tactic in
which a rider
accelerates to top
speed for the
benefit of another
rider. The following
rider uses the
drafting effect to
race past for the
final sprint.
-
OPENS:An
open event is a race
in the National or
State calendar. They
are open to entries
from all Cycling
Australia members
and apply to Road,
Track and Mountain
Bike racing.
-
PRIME
(pronounced Preem):
A special prize
awarded to the race
leader on selected
laps of a Criterium
race or the 1st
rider to reach a
specified land mark
in a road race.
-
TIME TRIAL:
Riders start
individually at
given time intervals
and race against the
clock. Cyclists ride
by themselves,
sitting-on/drafting
is not allowed.
-
TURN:
“Taking a turn” is
where each rider
rides at the front
of their respective
bunch or group in
turns of 100 to 200m
and then goes to the
back of the bunch.
