A technique used by cyclist to conserve their energy and sustain higher speeds for longer distances/time. Riders will be sharing the work load in the front and will recover while in the shelter. This technique is believed to save up to 30% of rider’s energy.

This process is followed cyclically allowing the group of riders to rider faster for longer durations.

Risks: Many a times riders overlap their front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider in the front and which may lead to a crash involving other riders riding in the formation.

Tips: When you try this for the initial period, do this at a slower speed and maintain a safe distance from the rider in the front, allowing you more time to act.
It is highly imperative that riders maintain their line, especially after taking their turn to lead/pull and when moving out of the line to the slower lane.
Elite riders use their Elbows to signal the rider behind that s/he is done with her/his turn, BEFORE MOVING to the slower lane and slowing down
Follow these rules

• Maintain a steady Speed/RPM to maintain a steady pace
• Fast Lane is on the Right and Slow Lane on the Left, keep this as a standard practice for all the rides, at least until you’ll have mastered the skill of Drafting!!
• Flick your elbow not your bike
• Slowly change your line to get into the slow lane after you have taken pulled
• Slow down with your RPM just a bit
• Wait for the last rider to pass by
• Increase your RPM and get back in to the line
• Warn the riders of any hazard approaching (be vocal if necessary)
• Be cautious when using your brakes

(a)

(b)

Note:
Pic (a) demonstrates the simplest form of drafting done, in relatively head wind conditions
Pic (b) More Complex form of drafting called Echelon done in cross wind conditions.

Caution:  This is a skill based activity which takes months or years to master.

Warning: Only do it under a professionals supervision, ID sports or Cyclozeal will not be responsible for any mishaps/crashes that can happen when doing this activity.

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Cyclozeal – Training and Assistance