Whether in team or individual races, the correct use of draft-riding technique by cyclists is a key factor in securing victory. This is because when a rider follows another, they can take advantage of the slipstream created by the leading cyclist breaking through air resistance, which propels their own bike forward and reduces physical exertion.


Key points of draft-riding technique:

First, reduce the distance to the bike in front to a level that doesn’t obstruct your vision and allows you to easily observe the road ahead. On the road, the ideal gap is generally about 15–30 centimeters. Also pay attention to wind direction and force. When facing headwind, one rider should lead, while others form a single-file line behind, staying 15–30 cm to the left or right of the lead rider.If the wind comes from the left, you can ride just behind and to the right of the lead rider;if the wind comes from the right, you can ride just behind and to the left of the lead rider. If there is strong crosswind,maintain a closer distance to the rider ahead;if the crosswind is light,you can allow a slightly greater distance. On descents, move slightly sideways, and during turns, stay a bit behind to avoid accidents.

When draft riding, keep your head slightly up and eyes focused straight ahead, with your peripheral vision catching the rear wheel of the bike in front. Looking only at your own front wheel can be dangerous—if an obstacle suddenly appears, you risk falling. Of course, during team races on flat roads with halted traffic, brief moments of lowering your gaze to relax neck muscles are permissible.

Collisions between two bikes often occur during draft riding, usually when the front wheel of the rear bike hits the rear wheel of the front one, causing loss of balance and a fall. If a collision happens, stay calm—continue pedaling smoothly if you're in front, and do not brake sharply if you're behind; just ease off slightly. If you collide from the left, lean your body and bike gently to the right while turning the handlebars right so the two bikes gradually separate. Do the same to the left in case of a right-side collision.

To master proficient draft-riding skills, in addition to specific training, it should be incorporated into every training session. When starting out, keep a larger gap of around 30–50 cm. As your cycling skill improves, gradually reduce this distance down to 15–30 cm. Begin with two-rider drills and progress to three or four riders. Also, practice techniques for recovering from collisions as a preventive measure.

Strengthening cyclists’ handling skills and improving their ability to adapt to complex situations is an effective way to prevent falls. Due to the nature of cycling, collisions and falls can happen anytime during intense training or competition. If a fall is imminent, stay composed and don’t panic—don’t let go of the handlebars too early or close your eyes and wait passively. Just before hitting the ground, quickly pull your feet out of the pedals, protect your head, and consciously land on your shoulder or back, rolling to reduce injury severity.