Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
Actually headwinds and upslopes are the preferred places to "try and distance your competitors". You don't go off the front on a break when it is easy for folks to catch you. That is especially true when a sharp angle turn is ahead that changes the wind or slope from against you to with you. If you can make it to the turn way ahead of the pack, you are golden.
I agree on the upslopes obviously but not into a a headwind. It's much easier for a pack to catch you in a headwind than a tailwind so if you have a choice it's better to attack with a tailwind.