Originally Posted by
Eric F
The peak of my racing abilities was as a sprinter racing Cat 3. It wasn't pro-level bumping and shoving, but contact wasn't unusual.
Even as a B-pack club racer and Cat-IV (before there was a Cat V) I experienced occasional physical affection, especially on corners. A shoulder or elbow was far preferable to locking bars with someone. My racing mentors also liked to bump me (when they weren't seat-slinging me up hills) on training rides.