Olympics Questions, what is with the cyling team race , can someone please explain it ?

Question

can some one please tell me , seen as we won the gold in the cycling team race today in the olympics, why is there three men racing in it , as the one who comes last , is the only time that counts?? , i really don't understand it , can someone explain to me please , thanks

:D

Answer 1

The cycling race is where they try to break each others record, in like 2 rounds. So lets say u got 3 minutes in one round. Then i get 4 minutes in another round. You are winning but who ever wins the other rounds win. Its simple is just who could cycle the fastes

Answer 2

Great Question.  The answer is that cycling is a team sport.  Cycling is all about "drafting", which means one cyclist rides directly behind another to reduce wind resistance.  The reduction of wind resistance allows the rider in the back to conserve energy, and rest until it's his/her turn to do all the "work" in the front.  They work as a team to achieve the fastest group pace that is possible.  They are able to go at speeds (and sustain them) much faster than an individual cyclist could ever manage.  The team aspect is more enforced by timing the last individual to cross the line (as opposed to the first individual).  The time difference shouldn't be very significant between the first rider to finish and the last since they ride really close together.