2023-07-04 12:13:59
Yes, the name of this role is strange. In English, it is called “lead out”, or “to lead towards the exit”, which is much more meaningful. Because it is the function of the pilot fish, which is one of the team members surrounding the leader: to lead the sprinter from the formation to the finish line.
He only puts on this cap as part of a sprint stage, like the one won by Jasper Philipsen in Bayonne, during the third stage of the Tour de France. And it’s a very physical function since he has to play with his shoulders and force the passage with, in his wheel, the sprinter at sometimes more than 70 km/h. Behind, the sprinter allows himself to be guided, which requires perfect synchronization, because the slightest mistake can lead the pair to abandon.
Once the pilot fish has done its job for several kilometres, it moves away and leaves the field open to its sprinter over the last 200 meters of the event. He usually finishes well behind, with his job done.
But sometimes the pilot fish can win a stage if the sprinter encounters a problem at the last moment. Brakes fail, wheel punctures, and the teammate who turns out to be an excellent sprinter can afford a podium or a first place.
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