Peloton
|
|
The peloton (from French, literally meaning ball and related to the English word platoon) or bunch is the large main group in a road bicycle race. Riders in a group save energy by riding close (drafting or slipstreaming) near (particularly behind) other riders. Like birds flying in formation, each rider making slight adjustments in response to the riders around them (particularly the one in front of each), the peloton travels as an integrated unit.
Riders typically leave the peloton for these reasons:
- To escape off the front of the group in hopes of beating the group to the finish line.
- To temporarily drop off the back to get supplies (food, drink, clothing, etc.) from a following team car, after which the rider must expend extra energy to get back to the peloton.
- A mechanical or health problem.
- They can no longer maintain the pace required to stay in the group.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary announced "Peloton" as the seventh place finisher for the Top 10 words of the year in 2004.