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Clod,
That was something that always perplexed me, as a bike mechanic and tour biker. We are not racers.
Here is some of what I have pieced together:
The team is seen as a support crew for the main rider, the one who has the best chance of winning, is strongest, etc. Your team mates help to get you to the finish line with as much finish in you as possible.
There are sacrificial members whose job it is to bluff and put on a strong attack at certain times. If they are convincing, they will cause other teams to chase them in the hopes they will wear out. These riders never intend to finish the race and spend themselves.
Other team members will "pull" you by riding in front of you breaking the wind so you can rest or save your strength for the finish, they can also block others from passing or chase down attackers.
Why are there lead guitarists and a rhythm section? Why are there queens and drones? Why are there CEOs of Lehman Brothers and the rest of us?
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And now I'm finished posting.
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