Road Racing Tactics

With the likelihood of several teammates getting into small breakaways at the State RR, I wanted to review the tactics for dealing with unwanted riders or launching a solo from the break. Last year we had 2 teammates in a three person breakaway, and the 1 rider beat the 2 teammates. Here is what they did not do...

1. Riders 1 & 2 are in a break with Rider X (or a small group). 2. Rider 1 blocks (beside and slightly in front) Rider X, and Rider 2 attacks. 3. Rider 2 attacks from behind and goes across the road. 4. Rider 1 then follows Rider X (if he/she chases) up to Rider 2. 5. If X catches 2, then Rider 1 attacks while 2 boxes-in Rider X. 6. Rinse and repeat and you will eventually get Rider X out of your hair.

If you successfully get a rider up the road, and Rider X gives up the chase, the second rider attacks and leaves Rider X for the buzzards. Under no circumstances should the second rider assist Rider X in closing the gap. If the first solo rider looks back and sees a teammate coming, all alone and clear of any chasers, then the first solo rider might want to wait and work together to the finish, insuring a first and second place result. The breakaway companions should agree who will cross the line first, don't attack a teammate for the win (look up the word "betrayal" in the dictionary).