1. On the Road Again
Team road races take place on tracks or over public roads for 25 miles or more. A team usually designates a leader whom they all work with to allow the leader to win. Team members carry food and water for the leader and often ride in front of the leader to provide a wind drag, allowing the leader to rest for some time. The team members might even give up their wheels or their whole bike to the leader if the leader has mechanical problems.
2. Add up the Points
Team racers may compete in time trials or stage races and gather individual points. All the members of the team add up their points at the end of the competition and the team with the most points wins. Teams can help each other as well during these races, working to help the team member who has the best chances of getting the most points.
3. Dress the Part
Cycling teams wear jerseys and other gear to match their team colors. Members typically have a number on the back of the skin-tight jersey worn by cyclists. They wear the same color helmets, shoes and shorts. While some teams may also have the same kinds of bikes, many racing teams allow a cyclist to bring his own bike to competitions. The team name is on the front of the shirt and other emblems and sponsorship ads are worn on the shoes, gloves and on the bike rails.
4. Training for the Team Races
Cross training in both the off-season and between races can provide a number of benefits, from clearing your mind to ride another day, to working other less-taxed muscles of the body. Your legs, knees and back need to heal between exceptionally grueling cycle races. At the same time, you don't want to become lethargic by not working out at all. The gym can be one place to start. Do spot training and spend some aerobic time on a different set of motions with an elliptical machine or rower. Get involved in another sport, such as swimming or tennis, that challenges your upper body.
5. Off-road Teams
Besides the well-known lightweight touring bikes used in racing, you can find other races held for every kind of riding vehicle. Off-road and extreme racing is a popular sport done on smaller, more rugged bikes over rough terrains with obstacle courses and short runs. Mountain bike races are longer and can last for days or weeks through hilly, natural terrains.
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