Originally posted by jge
arguing that by drafting behind a rider you actually slow that first rider down. That doesn't seem possible to me What would be the physics behind that?
You're right. Poor selection of words by the author.
But now you've got me curious why
does a drafting cars/bikes/whatever reduce drag on the leader? My guess is that there is a low pressure area behind each rider, but it is greatest on the last in line, where the "envelope" closes. However, the drag is insignificant relative to the frontal resistance (and insignificant, period, at cycling speeds).
Anyone? Anyone?