How much press coverage will Mark Cavendish get?

[Stoichkov]

As a newbie to the TDF can someone explain the 'petolon'?

The peloton is the name given to the shape formed by the main group of riders - peloton is french for 'arrowhead'

 

[clippedgull]

The peloton is the name given to the shape formed by the main group of riders - peloton is french for 'arrowhead'

Merci!!

 

[Stoichkov]

Merci!!

Its a bit lop-sided but this gives the general idea - the first riders form the point of the arrowhead (usually in the middle of the road) and the rest fan out across the road.

The faster the peloton is moving, the more pronounced its arrowhead shape will be.

 

[1066familyman]

Its a bit lop-sided but this gives the general idea - the first riders form the point of the arrowhead (usually in the middle of the road) and the rest fan out across the road.

The faster the peloton is moving, the more pronounced its arrowhead shape will be.

Lop-sided no doubt because there was probably a cross wind blowing when this pic was taken.

There is massive amount of stress on reducing wind resistance in cycling. For example - This is why you'll see break-away groups working to extend a lead over the peleton taking it in turns 'at the front'. Also, team leaders will be protected by team mates wherever possible, and if a team needs to chase down a break-away, the team leader isn't necessarily expected to contribute by taking his turn at the front.

This is just the tip of the ice berg. Keep watching clippedgull, and as you learn more about the intricacies you'll hopefully become hooked on this great event forever.

 

[clippedgull]

Thanks guys