Originally Posted by
dunderhi
How about Madisons? Do think both team mates should stay at the bottom all of the time? Certainly, if half the field is capable of moving up track every other lap without incident, then a few dropped racers in points race should be able to do the same.
The difference is that in a Madison, the rest of the field
expects the other half to move about as they do.
In a Madison, the Stayer's line is designated for the purpose of providing a safe rest/rolling area for the relief riders.
The race happens under the stayer's line. This is not so during a points or scratch race. The entire width of the track is fair game.
One of the worst things one can do in a heated bunch race is to roll up to the boards and ride slowly until the pack comes around.
I've seen drama happen when an inexperienced rider sees faster guys approaching from behind and the inexperienced rider thinks he's doing them a favor by moving out of their way...by moving into their way. The thing to do is stay put in the sprinter's lane and let them overtake you.
If you are really gassed, then leave the track. The notion that it's a good idea to roll around at the rail and regain your strength sounds good...but is not a good idea.
I've also seen random pull-ups cause an accident. "I was trying to let my teammate through!"...and proceeded to take out everyone trying to pass over the top of he and his teammate.