Faire l’élastique is when you are behind in the group when cycling and then you catch up. It indicates the group is not at the same pace or there are rapid differences in pace.
The elastic effect expends riders’ energy in road racing. Every effort to close the gap requires a lot of energy that cannot be sustained for long. Riders trapped in l’élastique find it difficult to adhere to the group on the hills and on the attack. The teams endeavor to reduce the pace and avoid elastic gaps by treading at an equal pace, employing domestiques to contribute to the pace to shield the leaders. By observing the variation in pace, deciding to remain at the front, and conserving energy, riders are able to minimize the rubber-band effect and remain together in the group.
