Abstract
This study aimed to examine the group dynamics in a cycling points race, to this end we analyzed the distances between cyclists and subgroups during the Japanese National Track Championships points race. A video camera was located in the spectator seats on the extension of the center line of the two straight sections of the cycling velodrome, and the cyclists passing through the center line on both the home and back straights were filmed. The time to complete a half lap was measured for each cyclist and used to obtain the average speed. The distance between cyclists was calculated based on the difference in passing time. The group was defined by the distance between cyclists based on the drafting effect, then, the group dynamics was analyzed. In over 90% of cases, the distance between cyclists was 3 m or less. Most of the cyclists in the race were located within the drafting range where air resistance is reduced. There were cases where the group remained as one, cases where the group separated before the sprint, cases where an escape occurred and the escape group remained ahead until the sprint, and cases where an escape occurred but the groups recombined before the sprint. The distance between the leading escape group and the main group is considered to be a critical distance to bifurcate success and failure for escape. It is important for cyclists and coaches to understand the distance at which an escape group will be sustained or absorbed, and to control the distance between the escape group and the main group during a competition.
