April Cycling Utah Article 2010

Break Away!

In bike racing, breaking away from the main group can be an effective tactical maneuver for many riders.  When the Tour De France airs on television, we are usually able to watch the last couple of hours live.  But by then the breakaway group has generally been established and they are charging hard in the hope of keeping their lead to the finish for a stage win.  So, unfortunately, we rarely see the early and often constant attacks or surges by various riders and teams that eventually result in a group getting away.

In big pro events, breakaways are consistently similar: they don’t include riders with a chance at the overall classification or any of the prominent sprinters.  Conversely, they do tend to contain riders from several different teams – i.e. a good mix or “representation”.  Sometimes riders are simply serving as decoys or are trying to set up teammates, but often they’re making an all-out bid for glory.  Every year, we are treated to TV coverage of prestigious Classics and Grand Tour stages where a breakaway group stays away and fights it out amongst themselves for what could be a career-defining victory or a day or more in the leader’s jersey.

Our own racing scene can provide similar dynamics if riders are savvy and teammates work together.  As soon as your race starts, attacks probably begin to fly. How can you or your teammates increase your chances of being in the right move?

Here’s a checklist of what a good breakaway looks like:

1.        The right combination of riders.  Most of the bigger squads need to be represented, or the breakaway may be doomed by chasing teams.

2.       Sufficient horsepower. Especially at local races, competitors are known entities.

3.       Leadership.  All riders in the group may be committed, but one rider may need to motivate and organize the group to work together efficiently.

4.       Smooth rotations at the front are key. Don’t pull through too hard or miss turns unless you have reason to do so – you’ll be undermining your allies!

5.       Information.  It helps to have family or friends updating the size of the gap between your breakaway and the chasing pack.

6.       Timing.  Generally, the first few attempts to form a breakaway don’t pan out, but stay alert and well positioned at all times or one could sneak away without your team being represented.

Much of the above depends on how well you know your competition, their strengths and weaknesses.  That may be difficult Category 4’s and 5’s, where many riders are new to the sport.  It’s also common for Cat 4 and 5 riders to race timidly, not knowing if other riders in the group are waiting to pounce; chances are, they are thinking the same thing about you and the others…

Keep your head up and RACE SMART!

Cameron Hoffman

Three Time LOTOJA winner, Two Time State Criterium Champion and RACE SMART Coach

Mark Deterline

Cycling Journalist & Super-Domestique on Wells Fargo Racing Team / C4