gruh-PET-oh
Noun, Verb
A group of cyclists riding together in a pace line.
Example usage: Let's form a grupetto and take turns drafting each other.
Most used in: European countries with a strong cycling culture.
Most used by: Recreational and competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
What is a Grupetto in Cycling?
A Grupetto (or gruppetto) is a term used in cycling to refer to a group of riders who form together during a race in order to finish within the time limit. It is a strategy adopted by riders who are struggling to complete the race within the set time limit, or by riders who have no chance of winning the race and are looking to save energy.
Grupetto's typically form at the back of the peloton, and riders in the group will usually take turns to pull the group along. They are an important part of cycling, allowing riders to avoid elimination, and can also be a great way for riders to make friends and gain helpful advice from more experienced riders.
Statistics show that on average, around one quarter of riders in a race will form a Grupetto. This number is higher in longer races, with up to two thirds of riders in some Grand Tour races forming a Grupetto.
Grupetto's are an important part of cycling, allowing riders to complete a race and gain valuable advice from more experienced riders. Knowing when and how to form a Grupetto is a key skill for any cyclist looking to complete a race or event.
.The History of the Cycling Term 'Grupetto'
The cycling term “Grupetto” has been used in cycling since the early 1900s. It is thought to have originated in Italy, likely from the Italian word “grupetto”, which translates to “little group”. The term was used to refer to a group of riders that stayed together in a race, usually to avoid being dropped or to save energy.
The first recorded use of the term “Grupetto” in a cycling context was in the 1922 Giro d’Italia. It was used to describe a group of riders that stayed together for most of the race. Since then, the term has been used to refer to any group of riders that stick together during a race in order to save energy.
Nowadays, the term “Grupetto” is used in all types of cycling races, from road races to mountain bike races. It is also used in informal settings, when riders group up to ride together and save energy. No matter the context, the term “Grupetto” has become an integral part of the cycling lexicon.
