How do teamates help each other in the Tour de france?

volhound · Jul 2, 2005

so they send a rabbit up and hope somebody chases him while the rest of the team paces themselves? It would seem that if you were good enough to ride in the Tour that you wouldn' fall for that ol' trick.

Theres only room on the pedals for two feet, so what the hell else can they do for you?

Doug · Jul 2, 2005

Break the wind.

-Slim- · Jul 2, 2005

alot of stuff.....

of course, you have to have the stamina, strength etc to go up the hill, and back down, finish the race etc etc but teamwork really helps a cyclist.

just the breaking wind factor, the swtiching back and forth after certain lengths to gain speed, plus, sending guys out to "guard" other cyclists attempting to escape....

really very interesting things that always get overlooked...

CalRedwood · Jul 2, 2005

They call it "drafting" instead of breaking wind,for obvious reasons. Aerodynamics is huge in cycling. A minor adjustment on your jersey or helmet can mean up to a minute and a half over the course of a 75 -100 mile ride.

Dante · Jul 2, 2005

DougJ said:
Break the wind.

mainly that ...they also keep rival riders away from there rabbit

royalfan · Jul 2, 2005

Not sure if you watch Nascar but at certain nascar races, like the one this week at Daytona, drafting is HUGE!! In cycling you extrapolate the concept because instead of extra mechanics being used without the drafting, it is human energy, which in a grueling race like the Tour, you have absolutely no chance without a great team that is able to have at least one guy hooked up with you at all times and ideally 4 or 5 to take turns taking the drafting lead. Sorry to waste your time if not familiar with the Nascar drafting concept, but that is how I can most easily relate to it.

volhound · Jul 2, 2005

I am a Nascar fan and do understand the concept of drafting, I just never thought about applying the principle to bicycling. So thank you

Do they do any blocking for one another? Is that allowed? can you hold on to another rider and let him pull you?

-Slim- · Jul 2, 2005

As far as I know, no you cannot grab onto another guy. (or car for that matter) like someone was caught several years ago lol

Another one, if your bike has a malfunction, the other guy can give you his (after all they serve as pawns to the one king who has a chance to win it)

No, you canot impede another cyclists path...

Dante · Jul 2, 2005

volhound said:
Do they do any blocking for one another? Is that allowed? can you hold on to another rider and let him pull you?

:lolBIG:

If that where the case id win it easyyyyyyyy :dancefool

fookineejit · Jul 2, 2005

Cycling just in front of you and breaking wind??

With teammates like those who needs enemies??

monicus · Jul 2, 2005

Teammates also carry supplies so the team leader doesn't have to. And if your leader crashes or has a mechanical problem he gets helped up by teammates or they give him their bike.