To be “off the back” is to fall behind the group of cyclists or triathletes in the race. When a cyclist cannot maintain the group’s speed—most commonly when climbing or into a crosswind—they lose the ability to draft and must exert more effort to close the gap.
They may fall back or take longer in timed events. Professional riders conserve energy and ride close to the group. Members behind ride in small packs and attempt to attack. In order to close the gap and rejoin the peloton, they must conserve their energy without exhausting themselves.
