Drafting

Drafting is when a sportsperson remains close behind another sportsperson to reduce wind resistance. It is practiced in cycling and swimming and saves an athlete a tremendous amount of energy—up to 20% on a bike when traveling quickly. In draft-legal competition, it is a strategically used skill; in non-drafting competition, it is illegal to maintain fairness. Drafting requires precise spacing and control and is also utilized in swimming by remaining behind other swimmers or boats to reduce drag.