Pacelines

Get it Right . . . Make a Difference

Mastering Pacelines will be a cirque du vélos Tactical Advantage

Pacelines are relevant in rides and races at our level . . . not often seen in competitive events because most riders simply can not execute them.

~Must be Used~
Breaking Away
Chasing Rider(s)
Leading Out Teammate(s)
Controlling the Peleton
Protecting Your Leader

~Know these Rules~

  1. Start a paceline by moving up and then over - into the wind - and then get to the back.
  2. Leading rider should move over quickly - after only 5 to 20 seconds. 
  3. Succeeding riders should not accelerate forward when taking the lead - simply maintain the speed or increase it gradually.
  4. Communicate “Clear” when a leading rider is clear to transition to the slower moving back line.
  5. Stay close at all times - front and back, left and right - no gaps.  If a gap develops, close it smoothly.
  6. Communicate “Last” when you are the last rider pulling through in the faster moving up line to the rider who will transition into the faster moving up line from the slower moving back line.

Gatekeepers
Teammate(s) remaining at the back and not pulling through in a paceline:

  1. Teammate(s) blocking others from entering the paceline.
  2. Teammate(s) being saved for a tactical event later.
  3. Teammate(s) resting.