Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy does drafting save?
Sitting on a single wheel reduces drag ≈25–30% (often 27%). A 4-rider rotating paceline averages ≈35–40% savings for the group; sitting in a 6+ rider bunch can save 45–55% on the wheels at the back.
How much time does that save?
On a 40 km flat ride at 200 W solo (≈35 km/h), 27% drag savings at the same power lifts speed ≈8–10% to ≈38 km/h, cutting time from 68 min to ≈63 min - a 5-min gap that grows on longer rides.
How does gap distance affect drafting?
A 0.5 m wheel-to-wheel gap captures most of the benefit. At 1.5 m draft drops to ≈15%, at 3 m to ≈8%. Drafting a car or truck at 5–10 m can save 60–80% but is dangerous and illegal in most events.
Does drafting work on climbs too?
Less so. Above ≈6% gradient and below ≈18 km/h, aero drag is a small share of total resistance, and drafting saves under 5%. Weight and W/kg dominate; drafting matters most on flats and rolling terrain.
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