Winning from the break: every racer's dream

Winning from a breakaway is still every racer’s dream despite the stifling impact of technology

Tony Martin breakaway Vuelta 2013_Graham Watson

Tony Martin during a long but unsuccessful breakaway. Photo: Graham Watson

Few can forget the sight of Jack Bauer exhausted and slumped on the floor by the barriers at the 2014 Tour de France, head in his hands and crying, having been caught by the peloton within 25 metres of the finish line, after spending all of the day in a two-man breakaway.

The New Zealander’s raw emotion epitomised the challenge facing riders attempting the long-distance escape. Some may last until 20 kilometres to go, others may hang on all the way to the flamme rouge, but the majority will be caught before the end — the odds of survival are rarely ever in the breakaway’s favour.

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