The Dynamic of Bicycle Finals: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of Slipstreaming*

The finals of bicycle races have certain peculiarities compared to other sports. The leading group in a bicycle race rides comparatively slowly until one of the competitors tries to shake off his opponents. Only then do all riders perform to the limit. This raises the question of who takes the thankless early lead and why. The rider who is in front just before the final sprint is seldom the one who wins. The relevant physics and their implications for sport economics are analysed and tested empirically.