Cycling Breakaway Calculator

Your details

The current time advantage the breakaway holds over the peloton.
min
Total number of cyclists in the breakaway group. Smaller groups tire faster than a large peloton.
The sustained average speed of the chasing peloton.
km/h
The current average speed of the breakaway group.
km/h
How many kilometres (or miles) remain to the finish line. Used to assess whether the break can survive to the end.
km
Catch distanceBreak caught mid-race
26.1

Distance the peloton must cover before catching the breakaway (Van Maldeghem formula)

Catch distance unitkm
Time to catch34.7min
Breakaway survival distance23.2
Speed differential5
Breakaway statusPeloton catches after 26.1 km
Rule-of-thumb gap loss per 10 km1.11min
Catch distance26.1
Break survival distance23.2

The peloton catches the break after 26.1 km at these speeds.

  • The peloton needs to ride 26.1 km at current speeds to close the 5.0-minute gap.
  • That chase takes 34.7 minutes, during which the break covers 23.2 km.
  • With only 4 riders in the break, fatigue degrades their speed more than a larger group, which helps the peloton close.

Next stepThe peloton closes at current speeds. If the break wants to survive, they need to either increase pace or hope the peloton eases.

 = Powered by OnlyCalculators