Thought cycling was boring? Yes, I did too, but read on
Cycling is all about the team, and within each cycling team are a number of different roles. In fact, all teams depend on each person fulfilling their role. Knowing our strengths can help us function at our very best in whatever team we are in.
So, which role on the cycling team describes you best?
Team leader
The one best placed to win the overall race. They are in for the long haul, the ones the other riders support and work for, the figureheads. They have all round ability at the sprints, climbs and time trials. Very few are made for this role, but in the right hands it can mean the difference to team success or failure. Leadership ability, people skills and communication are key.
In teams these are often the people everyone wants to be. The lead pastor. The CEO. Everyone knows their name. They are seen as the ‘gifted’ one. But it is not an easy job. You are exposed. The expectations and scrutiny are often very intense. Without your team around you, you are lost.
Sprinter
The glory boys, going for stage victories. Mark Cavendish is the best among them at the moment. Sprinters are often nowhere to be seen for the whole race and then come out at the end and bang, it’s in the bag. They are the ultimate finishers.
In teams these are the guys there to the end. They are happy to stick with it even when others drop out because they sense the chance to finish first, and when they do it brings glory to the whole team and their cause.
Lead out man
The one who leads his sprinter to victory. He stays close to the front of the pack, piloting the sprinter through the smallest of gaps. In the last few hundred metres, he unleashes his own drive before launching his man toward the finish.
In teams lead out men are the starters, the visionaries, the initiators. They see things and start them off, but are often too impatient (or too tired!) to stick around to see them finished. Whilst often not around at the end their ability to start projects and release others is invaluable.
Domestique
The ultimate team-worker. Domestiques bring water and food from team cars and shield teammates from opponents. They help teammates with mechanical disasters and may even sacrifice their bike. They keep the team fed and watered. Their role is the least glamorous yet one of the most important.
In teams they are the workers, those who get on with the job while the strategists and ‘leaders’, well, strategise and lead I guess. They are the unsung heroes of any team.
Lieutenant
An accomplished teamworker, the lieutenant is called upon during critical times. Her job is to stay with the team leader as long as possible, providing support ranging from the very bike she’s riding to a subtle psychological boost. On a hard climb she might lift the pace to shed others and keep her leader in front. At the 2012 Tour de France Chris Froome was famously Sir Bradley Wiggins’ right hand man, encouraging his man to push for victory.
In teams, lieutenants are absolutely key for the team leader. They often have a very different personality to the leader and are the one the leader can and should listen to, especially in a crisis.
Road captain
Often the most experienced rider, the ‘wise head’ of the team. He is the strategist. He’s been there and done it all and now passes advice on to the other riders. This might be tactical tips such as when to anticipate crosswinds.
In teams road captains are essential. They are the source of knowledge you won’t find in books. Listening to them may be the difference between success and failure. Without their wise advice even the best leaders can struggle.
Rouleur
This rider’s value is in her ability to set pace for hours with little help. For example, she is the one who controls breakaways by holding them in check, or keeping the pace high enough that no one can get away in the first place.
In teams the rouleur is often the enthusiastic one who drives the team on. When the team are behind schedule, she will ensure they know what they need to do to catch up. Her eye is on the goal, the prize of finishing the race as well as possible.
So which role(s) best describes you? How can you maximise the impact you have in the team(s) you serve in?
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