To “take a flyer” is to leave the group of riders in a bicycle race suddenly. It is a risky but clever tactic to get ahead or create a breakaway group.
It usually occurs suddenly and may surprise other riders. A cleverly made move may result in a victory for the rider or make a group pursuit more difficult, but a poorly made move will result in wasted effort. Powerful riders and intelligent riders tend to use this tactic in competitions when surprising others in a cooperative group may determine the result.
