drahft-awf
verb, noun
Riding in a group and taking turns leading the group at the front to reduce wind resistance.
Example usage: We drafted off each other to get to the finish line faster.
Most used in: Cyclists in races and group rides.
Most used by: Professional and recreational cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Drafting, Slipstreaming, Wheel-sucking, Draft-sucking,
Drafting: The Basics of 'Draft-off' in Cycling
Drafting, also known as “draft-off”, is a cycling technique used to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy. It is when a cyclist follows closely behind another cyclist, using their slipstream to reduce the amount of wind they encounter. Drafting can be used in a variety of cycling formats, from road races to time trials.
The concept of drafting is simple but its effectiveness is remarkable. Studies have shown that drafting can reduce a cyclist’s energy output by up to 40%, allowing them to ride faster and farther with less effort. This is why drafting is such a popular technique among professional cyclists, particularly in road races where the peloton of riders work together to reduce wind resistance.
In a draft-off, two or more cyclists will work together to maximize the benefit of drafting. This is often seen in time trials, where cyclists will take turns leading and following each other in order to conserve energy. Drafting is also used in group rides, where the leader of the pack will set the pace and the rest of the riders will follow in their slipstream.
Drafting is a great technique for cyclists of all levels to use. Even if you don’t have access to a peloton of professional riders, you can still benefit from drafting in your training rides. Just remember to give the leader plenty of space and don’t push the pace too hard.
.Draft-Off: The Cycling Term With a Long History
The term 'draft-off' is used in cycling to describe a technique whereby one cyclist follows closely behind another at a close distance, using the airflow from the front cyclist to reduce their energy expenditure. While the technique has been used by cyclists for many years, the term itself is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1970s.
At this time, the term was used by cycling clubs in the Pacific Northwest to refer to a game in which cyclists would take turns leading the group, with the other cyclists drafting off them. The term was also used in the early 1980s by members of a cycling club in California for the same purpose. It was during this time that the term began to spread to other cycling clubs in the United States.
Today, the term 'draft-off' is used widely by cyclists around the world. It is a common technique used by cyclists to reduce their energy expenditure and is an important part of competitive cycling. Whether you're a professional cyclist or just a recreational rider, understanding the concept of drafting off other cyclists can help you become a better cyclist.
