Echelon - The Crosswind Formation in Cycling

An echelon (French for "squadron" or "step") is one of the most demanding and tactically important formations in road cycling. This diagonal drafting formation occurs in crosswinds and can decide victory or defeat in a race. Mastering echelon tactics is essential for every ambitious cyclist.

What is an Echelon?

An echelon forms when strong crosswinds make the classic single-file riding inefficient. Riders position themselves diagonally offset from each other to benefit from both the draft of the rider ahead and the lateral wind protection. This formation resembles a slanted line across the road.

Physical Principles

In crosswinds, the most effective draft comes not from directly behind, but diagonally offset. A rider positions themselves slightly behind and to the side of the rider ahead - on the leeward side. This maximizes the drafting effect and reduces required power by up to 40%.

Wind direction determines the formation:

• Wind from left → Echelon offset to the right
• Wind from right → Echelon offset to the left
• Stronger wind → steeper angle of the formation

Formation and Positioning

Optimal Positioning in the Echelon

Road Width and Echelon Size

The number of riders that can fit in an echelon depends directly on road width:

• Narrow road (6-7m): 3-5 riders
• Normal width road (8-10m): 6-8 riders
• Wide road (>10m): 9-12 riders
• Highway/very wide road: 15+ riders

The narrower the road, the more dramatic the tactical effect - many riders find no place in the echelon and must expend significantly more power.

Tactical Application

Pace Increase in the Echelon

Once an echelon forms, the leading team massively increases the pace. The goal is to create gaps to the main field and drop competitors. Riders outside the echelon must produce up to 50% more power and are quickly dropped.

Rotation in the Echelon

Famous Echelon Scenarios

Paris-Roubaix: On the flat sections between cobblestone sectors, echelons regularly form in crosswinds, deciding the race outcome.

Tour de France Stage 10 (2013): A perfectly timed echelon attack by Team Sky put several favorites under massive time pressure and demonstrated the power of this tactic.

Tour of Flanders: The typical winds along the Belgian coast make echelon formations a standard scenario of the race.

Practical Implementation

Checklist: Successfully Riding in an Echelon

Before the race:

• Study wind forecast (direction & strength)
• Analyze route (identify wide sections)
• Discuss echelon positions with team
• Plan optimal captain positioning

During the race:

• Constantly observe wind direction
• Position at front during crosswind sections
• React quickly to echelon formation
• Manage own energy correctly
• Maintain team communication

In the echelon:

• Maintain exact position (diagonally offset)
• Rotate evenly (except in team tactics)
• Close gaps immediately
• Pay attention to captain's commands
• Save energy for decisive moments

Training Methods

Echelon Training:

1. Basic Training: Practice echelon formation in small group (4-6 riders) in moderate crosswind
2. Position Changes: Rotate every rider through all positions
3. Pace Increase: Ride targeted high intensity in echelon (3-5 minute intervals)
4. Communication: Establish hand signals and verbal commands
5. Simulation: Race-like scenarios with multiple groups

Physiological Requirements

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Too Late Reaction

Problem: Riders recognize echelon formation too late and find no place anymore.

Solution: Constantly ride proactively, work forward prophylactically during crosswind sections.

Mistake 2: Wrong Position in Echelon

Problem: Rider stands too far windward and has no wind protection.

Solution: Always position slightly behind AND to the side (leeward) of the rider ahead.

Mistake 3: Inconsistent Rotation

Problem: Uneven relief leads to pace loss and gap formation.

Solution: Agree on clear rotation, regular relief after time (30-60 seconds) or distance.

Mistake 4: Panic During Gap Formation

Problem: With small gap, attack too hard, waste energy.

Solution: Calmly and powerfully close the gap, don't overpace.

Mistake 5: Inadequate Preparation

Problem: No analysis of wind and route before the race.

Solution: Check weather forecast, identify critical route sections.

Strategic Considerations for Teams

Team Echelon Strategies

Offensive Strategy:

• Place 3-4 teammates in first echelon
• Ride aggressive pace
• Captain optimally positioned (position 3-5)
• Rotation only among teammates
• Eliminate opponents

Defensive Strategy:

• Bring captain into echelon at all costs
• Teammates sacrifice themselves as gap closers
• Only survive, don't attack
• Save energy for later race phases

Opportunistic Strategy:

• Read situation: Who is missing from echelon?
• When competitors absent: Increase pace
• When all favorites present: Save energy

Echelon in Various Race Disciplines

Meteorological Factors

Wind Strength and Echelon Effectiveness

Light Wind (10-20 km/h): Echelons form, but splits are rarely dramatic. Good riders can still close gaps.

Moderate Wind (20-35 km/h): Ideal conditions for echelon tactics. Splits occur quickly, hard to close.

Strong Wind (>35 km/h): Extreme selection, only the strongest riders maintain the pace. Race can be completely torn apart.

Gusty Wind: Particularly treacherous - echelon formation constantly changes, requires permanent adjustment.

Technology and Echelon Analysis

Power Meter Data

Modern power meters show drastic differences between positions in the echelon:

• Lead work: 350-400 watts (pro level)
• 2nd-3rd Position: 280-320 watts
• Protected Position: 250-280 watts
• Outside Echelon: 400-500 watts (not sustainable)

GPS Tracking and Tactical Analysis

Teams use GPS data for analysis:

• Where do echelons typically form on the route?
• Which wind directions are historically relevant?
• How long do critical echelon phases last?
• Which rider positions were successful?

Future of Echelon Tactics

Innovation Trends

Aerodynamic Optimization: New frame and wheel designs further reduce wind resistance, changing optimal echelon geometry.

Communication Technology: Direct team radio enables better real-time coordination.

Data Analysis: Machine learning identifies optimal echelon strategies based on historical data.

Virtual Simulation: Zwift and other platforms enable echelon training even without ideal weather conditions.

Related Topics

For a comprehensive understanding of cycling tactics, we recommend the following related articles:

• Drafting - The foundation of all group tactics
• Breakaway Group - Alternative race tactics in escape attempts
• Team Tactics - Coordinated team strategies in racing
• Sprint Preparation - Positioning for the final sprint
• Threshold Training - Physiological preparation for echelon situations

Last Update: October 21, 2025