Peloton
The main pack of riders in a road race. Riding in the peloton reduces wind resistance by up to 40%.
Understanding Peloton
In cycling, the peloton is the main group of riders in a road race. The word comes from French, meaning "ball" or "platoon." Riding in the peloton reduces wind resistance by up to 40% compared to riding alone, making pack riding the most energy-efficient way to cover distance at speed.
The peloton is a complex, dynamic organism. Riders near the front do more work against the wind while those sheltered in the middle conserve energy. Teams take turns "pulling" at the front (doing the hard work) and rotating to the back to recover. Position within the peloton is strategic and often determines race outcomes.
For amateur cyclists, group riding etiquette in a peloton-like formation is essential: hold your line, don't make sudden movements, call out hazards, and overlap wheels cautiously. The slipstream effect means group rides at 20+ mph feel like solo rides at 16–17 mph — the efficiency gain is dramatic.
Key Facts: Peloton
Key facts and insights about peloton that every endurance athlete should know.
Drafting in a peloton reduces wind resis
Drafting in a peloton reduces wind resistance by up to 40%
Tour de France pelotons can contain 150–
Tour de France pelotons can contain 150–180 riders
Riders in the middle of the peloton expe
Riders in the middle of the peloton expend 5–10% less energy than those on the edges
The word "peloton" is French for "ball"
The word "peloton" is French for "ball" or "platoon"
Pro Tips: Peloton
In group rides, maintain a steady, predictable line — sudden swerves endanger everyone
Point out road hazards (potholes, glass, debris) for riders behind you
Never overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider ahead — if they swerve, you crash
Take your turns at the front of the group — don't just sit in and draft the whole time
Frequently Asked Questions About Peloton
It requires skill and attention. Crashes happen when riders are unpredictable, inattentive, or ride too close. Start with small group rides (4–8 riders) to build pack-riding skills before joining larger groups. Always ride predictably and leave a safe gap.
Most age-group triathlons are "non-drafting" — you must maintain 7–12 meters between bikes. Drafting is only allowed in draft-legal elite and some Olympic-format races. This means triathlon cycling is essentially solo riding, which is why TT (time trial) bikes are popular in triathlon.
Related Cycling Terms Terms
View all in Cycling TermsFTP (Functional Threshold Power)
The highest power output you can sustain for one hour, measured in watts. Key cycling fitness metric.
Gran Fondo
Italian for "big ride" — a mass-participation long-distance cycling event, typically 100+ miles.
Watts per Kilogram (W/kg)
Power-to-weight ratio — the most important metric for climbing performance in cycling.
Aero Bars
Handlebar extensions that position riders in a tucked, aerodynamic posture — standard on triathlon and time trial bikes.
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