The Bike - Riding in a Bunch

Cycling in a peloton is not just tradition - it’s science in motion. Research shows that riders in a well-organised bunch can save up to 30–40% of their energy thanks to drafting, where the front riders absorb the brunt of wind resistance and those behind benefit from the reduced drag. This energy conservation allows the group to ride further and faster than individuals could alone, making peloton riding one of the most efficient forms of endurance exercise. Beyond the science, there’s also the legacy: from the grand tours of Europe to local club rides, the peloton has long symbolised teamwork, discipline, and shared effort. Every rider contributes, every rider benefits, and together the group becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

The long ride - riding in a bunch.

The Long Ride - Riding in a Bunch.

“Peloton” is French for an organised group of riders. Riding in a bunch allows you to ride further and faster than you could alone or in a disorganised group. You’ll also save up to 30% of your energy by sitting in the shelter of the group, as the front riders absorb the wind resistance. By rotating at the front, everyone shares the load - especially valuable on longer or faster rides.

The Science Behind the Peloton

Cycling in a peloton is one of the most efficient ways to ride. Scientific studies show that drafting - sitting in the slipstream of the rider ahead - can reduce aerodynamic drag by up to 30–40%. This means riders conserve significantly more energy compared to riding solo. In practical terms, that saved energy can be redirected into longer distances, higher speeds, or simply keeping fresher for the final push. In endurance sports like triathlon or road racing, where efficiency is everything, this principle makes peloton riding a cornerstone skill.

A Legacy of Teamwork

The peloton isn’t just about physics - it’s steeped in cycling history. From the drama of the Tour de France to the camaraderie of local club rides, riding in a bunch symbolises teamwork, shared responsibility, and trust. The tradition goes back more than a century, when professional riders realised that working together against the wind gave them a collective advantage. Today, that same spirit lives on. Everyone takes a turn at the front, everyone benefits from the shelter, and the group as a whole rides faster and further than any individual could alone.

Skills and Safety

Learning to ride in a peloton also builds vital bike-handling and communication skills. Riders must hold their line, keep a steady pace, and use clear signals to point out hazards - all of which translate into greater confidence and awareness on the road. For juniors and developing athletes, bunch riding provides the perfect environment to refine technique while being part of a supportive, structured group. Importantly, it also teaches responsibility: when you’re at the front, you’re riding for the whole bunch, not just yourself.

The Social Side

Beyond science and tradition, there’s a social magic to the peloton. Long rides are made easier through shared effort, conversation, and camaraderie. For many cyclists and triathletes, bunch rides become the highlight of their week - a chance to push hard, learn from others, and enjoy the road as part of something bigger. The peloton blends performance, legacy, and community in a way that few other training environments can match.

Ensure you "M-check" your bike before riding.

Equipment – What to Bring

• Clothing: Appropriate for the weather.

• Helmet: Correctly fitted. No helmet = no ride.

• Skills: The knowledge of how to change a puncture.

• Nutrition: Easy-to-digest food that won’t melt in your pocket.

• Hydration: Full water bottles (bidons) with enough fluid for the ride.

• Bike: A road bike. Not a mountain bike, or a TT bike, or a road bike with TT bars.

• Spares: The minimum 2 inner tubes, 2+ tyre levers, CO₂ cartridges, a multi-tool.

• Bike check: Ensure your bike is serviced or at least "M-checked" before every ride.

• Other: Mobile phone (in a waterproof bag), emergency contact details, money for coffee.

Etiquette - Riding in a Bunch

If you’re new to bunch riding, please read:

• Be on time: It rolls at the specified time.

• Eyes up: Don’t stare at your bars or pedals - look forward.

• Cars: Front riders call “Car up!”; rear riders call “Car back!”

• At the front: Keep the pace steady - no surging or accelerating.

• Half-wheeling: Ride level with your partner, not half a wheel ahead.

• Road rules: Always obey traffic laws, don’t gamble with amber lights.

• Stopping: Move fully off the road for mechanicals, regroups, or snack breaks.

• Formation: Two abreast is legal, but ride according to road/traffic conditions.

• Overtaking: Always pass on the right (if in the UK, Aus, NZ etc), don't “undertake”.

• Be predictable: Ride smoothly, avoid sudden braking, swerves, or erratic movements.

• Wheel discipline: Stay ~half a wheel length behind, with hands on the hoods. No gaps.

• Uphills: Maintain momentum. Keep pressure on the pedals to avoid stalling the bunch.

• Rolling through: The ride leader will signal when and who. Pass on the right; slowest stays left.

• Downhills: Keep pedalling so the bunch doesn’t have to brake constantly. Don’t descend faster than your skill allows.

• Obstacles & hazards: Point out cars, potholes, glass, pedestrians, gravel, etc. Pass the message down the line.

• Communicate: Use clear hand and verbal signals for hazards, stops, junctions, or pace changes.

• Leadership: If you’re at the front, remember you’re responsible for the whole group, not just yourself.

• Relax & enjoy: Stay smooth, safe, and social.

“Bunch riding - save energy, build skills, share the journey.”

The Top 3 Benefits of Riding in a Peloton

1. Science - Save Energy. Drafting reduces wind resistance by up to 30–40%, allowing you to ride faster and further with less effort.

2. Skills - Ride Smarter. Bunch riding sharpens bike handling, communication, and awareness - key skills for racing and safe group riding.

3. Social - Share the Journey. The peloton builds camaraderie, accountability, and motivation. Everyone shares the load, and the ride becomes more enjoyable.

Bunch riding is about far more than sitting on a wheel. It’s the blend of science, skill, and shared effort that makes cycling unique - conserving energy, building confidence, and connecting riders through a common rhythm. Whether you’re chasing performance gains, learning the ropes as a junior, or simply enjoying the social side of cycling, the peloton offers lessons that extend well beyond the road: teamwork, trust, and the simple truth that we go further, faster, and stronger together. Enjoy the ride, "the long ride."