Road Racing
The rush of the pack. The thrill of pursuit. The drama of reeling in the breakaway. Get it in gear because the road is calling you.
As the pack – known to racers as the peloton – curves the last turn of a switchback descent, the lead rider breaks away in an all-out sprint. What had been a single pulsating mass of cyclists splits in two as other riders break away from the pack to give chase, each hoping the other will blow out firt and drop their pace. Welcome to the world of road racing.
Can a sport be an addiction? For many road racers, riding bicycle is an all-consuming experience. Depending on their competition schedule, racers can log hundreds of kilometers a week while training. Although elite professionals actually get paid to train, most riders have to juggle school or work with their cycling. That may not leave much time for other pursuits, but racers are rewarded by every second whittled off their best time.
Build for speed
If there's one thing all road racers have wanted from their bicycles since the dawn of competitive cycling, it's speed. To make bikes faster, engineers have always explored ways to make them lighter. Today, a top-end racing bike can weight as little as 3 kilogram. These bikes are made of light frame materials such as steel alloys, titanium, and carbon fiber. Each of these materials has its own 'feel' while riding, and most cyclists develop a preference over time. The shape of the tubes has also improved, with some frame designs using aerodynamic, wedge-shaped tubes to cut through the wind.
The human engine
The most important component on the bicycle is the rider. A racing position has the rider bent low over the handlebars with elbows and knees tucked in to reduce wind resistance while pedaling. No matter how light the bike is, it will only go as fast as its rider is able to push it. That means pushing yourself for extended periods of time to build endurance. You must constantly marshal your strength for the most efficient use of energy. Many racers describe a feeling of 'becoming one with the bike' when they find the perfect combination of pace, effort, and speed.
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