Gruppetto
As Gruppetto ( ital. For, small groups') or l'bus ( fr. ) Is referred to in cycling during longer trips a group of drivers who are in the mountain stages forms at the end of the driver's field. These drivers are relapsed helpers, sprint specialists and others who have been thrown back from the previous inclines and team tasks and who must ensure that they do not exceed the time limit, which would mean exclusion from the tour.
Within the group it is common for one of the most experienced professionals to set the pace. These drivers have a sense of reaching the finish in time before the time limit. In addition, the drivers in the group stay together, as a large group that crosses the finish line after the waiting period is more often pardoned and not removed from the race than individual drivers.
In contrast to the top group, there is an extraordinary solidarity in the Gruppetto. You help each other out with food rations, drinking bottles, spare parts and clothing across teams, as arriving together is the focus.
Web links
- The Gruppetto - le Autobus on straßenradsport.com
- MAGAZINE - Stage 12 on YouTube : Report about the riders in the Gruppetto during the 12th stage of the Tour de France 2009