Bridging the Gap

In cycling we use the term �bridging the gap� to explain the action of moving between separated riders.  �Bridging� is most often used to �chase down� a �break-away�, but it can also be used to describe a rider who regains contact with the pack after being dropped.

In the case of a breakaway situation a rider or group of riders has separated from the main pack and is now �off the front�.  If a rider wishes too leave the main pack and move up to the riders in the break then they must bridge the gap.  Bridging requires the rider too accelerate to speeds faster than both the pack and the break and can be very costly from an energy standpoint.  Understanding when to bridge is a key tactic in racing both road and criterium courses and can make or break a great ride. 

The bridge can be used in several situations.  The most common is too move between the main pack and the break.  To employ this tactic successfully the bridge must be employed and timed in such a way that no other riders (team mates are the exception) follow the rider bridging.  The reason for doing this maneuver is either to put a rider in the breakaway to ensure that the strongest rider is in good position for the win or to put in a rider who will slow the momentum of the break down so that the main pack can more easily catch the break.  In either case it is important for the non-bridging team-mates to help in the attempt by either blocking and controlling the pack speed in the first case or by leading an increase in pack speed in the second case. 

Training for bridging  - The most effective way to train the bridge is too practice in a group of 3 or more.  Understanding the effort needed to successfully pull off a bridge takes repeated practice and should be practiced throughout the entire year.  To set up a practice bridge you must first designate each person�s role. A � the break away rider, B- The chaser, C � the pack.  The designate a base pace say 18 mph.  At any time have A ride ahead to create a 10-20 second gap (don�t forget to reestablish the base pace), then B should make the move and bridge up to A. Once the bridge is made ride a little bit together then slow down and let C catch back up.  Once all together again switch roles and practice again.  It is possible to do this for most of a ride so you need to decide how many times each rider will bridge. (Remember it is tiring).  Try timing your efforts to get a sense of the energy cost and time necessary to get across a certain distance.  Bridging is a very important skill very every level of rider.  Faster riders will be concerned more with breakaway riders while newer and less experienced riders will use the tactic mostly to stay up with the pack. 

Here is some simple cycling terminology:

Bridging � The act of moving between riders

Chaser � The rider who goes after another rider or riders who are away from the main pack

Chase Group � A group of riders bridging up to a breakaway

Chase down � The act of cycling up to a rider ahead of you

Break � When a rider or group of riders moves ahead of the main pack

Pack � A group of riders