Pelotons, Breakaways, Grupettos, Life

Stage races in cycling are simultaneously odd and beautiful.  The ebb and flow, the dynamics of the group, are something to behold.  People peel off the front, hoping to either capture their 5 minutes of fame, or establish themselves as an alpha member of the stage, expected to ride on to great things.  In the peloton, whole groups of riders can work together for the greater good.  Or, a momentary lapse of attention can take out half of the group.  On climbs, the tired, weary and injured with gather together, spontaneously helping each other regardless of team or affiliation, just hoping to survive.

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