Breakaway Question
 

Some riders breakaway and it works (rarely) most time they eventually stop working together. Why does the whole ream try a breakaway working and pace lining on flatter sections. I know next to nothing about the strategy behind racing that is why I’m asking.

Do you intend your question to read "Why doesn't the whole team try a breakaway working together and pace-lining on flatter sections?" If so, the answer is simple. There is no way the rest of the peloton (the main group with all the strongest teams and riders in it) will let that team get away. If a team tried it, it would find the peloton stepping up to ride at perhaps 35 mph (56 kph or in simpler terms, crazy fast) to keep that team within reach. Why? Because every rider, every team and every sports director knows that if that team gets away, every placing, every dollar of prize money and all the advertising opportunity is going to that team. Completely not acceptable at any level.

When a break gets away, it is studied by all to see if it has dangerous riders. If it is deemed OK, they will be given just enough leash to stay out there within reach. This has the effect of calming down the peloton, making it easier for the main teams to control the race. Usually this works. Every once in a while, it is "oops" for the peloton and they cannot catch the breakaway.

Breakaways are usually composed of lesser riders from lesser teams. This is their chance to spend a few hours in front of the TV cameras. Advertising for their sponsors and a chance to showcase their abilities to the public and potential employers. So all is not lost when the break is swallowed up with say 10k to go.

Ben

Thanks