Ah, drafting. The age-old technique of cycling behind someone else in order to save energy and ride faster. It’s a beautiful thing, and it can be the difference between crossing the finish line in first place or crawling across it on your hands and knees. But there’s an art to drafting, my friends, and it’s important to do it right.

First things first: know the rules. Drafting isn’t allowed in all types of cycling, so make sure you’re not breaking any rules (unless you’re into that sort of thing). In road racing, for example, drafting is a big no-no. But in time trials and triathlons, it’s perfectly fine as long as you stay within a certain distance of the rider in front of you. Just don’t let the officials catch you drafting, or you’ll be disqualified faster than you can say “whoops.”

Next up: learn how to draft properly. When drafting, it’s important to stay close to the rider in front of you, but not too close. A good rule of thumb is to stay about a bike length behind them. This gives you enough space to react if they make any sudden movements or brake (which they will, trust me). And never draft on a descent or around a corner, as it’s a recipe for disaster.

Speaking of disasters, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings when drafting. Look out for hazards such as potholes, gravel, and other riders. And never, ever draft on a descent or around a corner. Did I mention that already? Good.

Finally, know when to break away from the draft. Drafting is a great way to save energy, but sometimes you just need to ride on your own. Maybe you need to make a pit stop, maybe you want to test your own abilities, or maybe you just want to ride at your own pace. Whatever the reason, make sure to break away safely and signal your intentions to the other riders.

So there you have it, the art of drafting in a nutshell. Follow these tips and you’ll be drafting like a pro in no time. Just don’t let the officials catch you, or you’ll be disqualified faster than you can say “whoops” (did I mention that already?). Happy drafting!