Headwinds are tough, tailwinds are great, and crosswinds are tricky. Here is GCN's guide to mastering them and turning them to your advantage.
- If there are just two of you, the person in front should move to the side, into the wind, and the rider behind can seek shelter by riding slightly overlapped on the lee side.
- Maybe there are 4 or 5 riders in your group (assuming everyone is experienced), the lead rider should move out more into the wind so everyone can find shelter. Careful crossing wheels!
- A large group will form what is called an echelon. The number of riders who can fit is limited by the width of the road. It's easier to ride in the front 10-15 compared to dangling in the gutters at the back of the group with no protection from the wind.
- If you're strong and need to rip the race apart or want to get rid of some hubbards, attack down the extreme edge of the road and don't allow anyone to get protection from the wind. A strong crosswind can be your best friend sometimes.
- If there are just two of you, the person in front should move to the side, into the wind, and the rider behind can seek shelter by riding slightly overlapped on the lee side.
- Maybe there are 4 or 5 riders in your group (assuming everyone is experienced), the lead rider should move out more into the wind so everyone can find shelter. Careful crossing wheels!
- A large group will form what is called an echelon. The number of riders who can fit is limited by the width of the road. It's easier to ride in the front 10-15 compared to dangling in the gutters at the back of the group with no protection from the wind.
- If you're strong and need to rip the race apart or want to get rid of some hubbards, attack down the extreme edge of the road and don't allow anyone to get protection from the wind. A strong crosswind can be your best friend sometimes.
