The EB (Early Break)
The EB or “early break” is the first breakaway of the day to go at or near the start of the race. It is a credible option for teams (and riders) without a big time sprinter. It is also a good chance for smaller teams to get their sponsors TV time.
What is Required to Make/Survive the EB?
Firstly you need to get in it! Sounds simple, but not so. Often at the start several riders and teams try to form the breakaway to survive.
- A breakaway consisting of riders who are not a threat to general classification, if the race is a tour (or riders who are not the favorites) will be more likely to be allowed to go up the road. If the move has a favorite, it will probably be chased down more aggressively.
- A move with a mix of teams is also handy as a team will not chase down their own riders as a rule, so the more teams represented in the move, the less teams likely to chase.
- Creating a gap quickly by surprise, power or lethargy in the bunch is key. An initial sprint out of the pack and some high intensity for several minutes is usually required to snap the elastic to the bunch and escape.
Once free and it looks like the break will stick, it is time for some solid, but aerobic work.
- Riders at pro level are likely averaging around 4-4.5w/kg for longer breakaways (280-330w depending on rider and their commitment to the break)
- This effort falls into sub lactate threshold (and sub FTP) and around 2-3mmol of lactate level (L2-L3 in the Fitlab zones)
Lapping Method
Lapping or taking turns or bit and bit (for the English) is the next thing to consider. It goes without saying that you want everyone to work, but how exactly – Continuous chain or long pulls?
- This is discussed in greater detail in the post (TTT),
- Generally long pulls of 30s or so are better during the bulk of the ride. If there are only two, you may pull as long as a minute or more, but for 4-8 around 30s is good. Once the group gets bigger, short pulls may be a better choice.
- Shorter pulls may be a better choice when the pace is on (e.g. when the break is forming or in the final few kms to avoid capture). As mentioned in the previous point, for larger groups this tends to work better.
Pacing
The pace will change depending on the stage of the race. Here are three main stages to consider:
- Break formation: As the break begins to get established, the pace is fast to get the gap
- Bulk of the ride: the majority of the time will be consistent solid aerobic work (keeping a little in reserve for the final kms)
- Final 20km or so: 99% commitment to survive with a tiny reserve for how you might win
Clearly these stages will vary depending on when the move goes, but you get the idea!
EB Summary
So whatever the reason to go up the road, it is always an honest day’s work. Whether it’s for sprint/mountain points or the outside chance at taking a stage, these guys are grabbing the race by the horns and giving it a crack.
Long live the EB.
