Pulling a rider?

Question

I read in an article that a guy that got caught doping on the tour de france this year was such a strong climber that he used to pull Lantz Armstrong up the hills. Does that mean they where actually hooked together. Also I thought that was where lantz thrived on the Tour was the Mountain Stages why would he need help. Just wondering I dont know much about cycling.

Answer 1

when pulling a rider it means that the guy in front is blocking wind for the guy in back.

Answer 2

A pull in cycling is rider lingo for a few things: for one, a pull is provided when there is a rider in front of you or a group of riders who is providing coverage from the wind (cross or head), also- and this is especially for long hills- a pull will provide the following rider with a consistent and healthy pace both speed and cadence wise in order to get him over the top while conserving as much energy as possible. In the case of Lance and most likely Frankie Andraeu Frankie gave Lance a steady pace that only Lance could comfortably follow, this allowed Lance to have his opponents tired about three quarters of the way up the climb and gave him a perfect scenario for a vicious attack! If you need anymore clarification on the subject of cycling please feel free to email me, I'd be happy to help someone get into and understand my favorite sport.

Answer 3

No, they werern't "hooked together". Pulling is where the lead rider "pulls" others behind him, kind of like riding in the slipstream. Less wind resistence, less strain, less work for the other riders.

Answer 4

Cyclists use the term "pull" to mean blocking the wind.  For the person in the back, they are "drafting".  Above about 14 MPH on a flat, most of your effort is overcoming wind resistance.  

When cyclists race as a team, different team members take turns "pulling" for the rider expected to win the race.  This saves that rider's energy for the end of the race.

When recreational cyclists form a pace line and take turns at the front, the riders in back will thank the guy at the front for "a good pull".