Rear wheel is not a free ride: Slipstreaming only with consensus

According to reports, Jonas Vingegaard fell during training, presumably involving a fan. The team appealed"For the sake of your own health and the health of others, we ask you to give those who are exercising as much space and peace and quiet as possible." They are right.

I immediately think of my own experiences, reports on social media and reports from friends. It's always the same pattern. You're cycling, just like that, or following your training plan. Suddenly you hear a low whirring noise close behind you. Or you see something suspicious in the corner of your eye. A glance over your shoulder confirms your gut feeling: there's someone on the road. No greeting, no question, no agreement. The arse of the person in front - or the woman in front - is always right where your eyes are relaxed. And that's exactly how it feels: invasive. Put an end to it!

>> This is how it works: Ride a road bike in a group

>> Extreme rear wheel slipstreaming: perhaps the most famous slipstream scrounger in the world

Ask before you suck

Sucking slipstream is not a basic right, a rear wheel is not an invitation, just as a short skirt is not. Consent is not a minor matter, it is a prerequisite. Full stop. Before you ride into the slipstream of another person, you should ask if it's okay.

Reason 1: Contain the danger

Without an agreement, there is no common safety net. If you're in front and don't know about you, you can't signal dangers. A quick brake, a swerve around a pothole and you both crash onto the tarmac. Is that what you want? Hardly. So open your mouth and ask if it's okay if you get stuck on the rear wheel.

Reason 2: Respect boundaries

Not everyone wants company. Some train intervals, some collect metres in altitude, some simply want their peace and quiet. Hanging around without being asked can cause discomfort, insecurity or even panic. Respect is not a nice-to-have, but the basis of togetherness.

Slipstream only with consensus

• First distance, then approach: Keep a distance of one or two bike lengths and ask in a friendly manner if you can ride in the slipstream.
• Take on the role: If it fits, offer a change of leadership.
• Accept a no: Don't play the offended liver sausage if you get a no as an answer. Do your thing and keep your distance.

Respect for professionals too

What applies to amateur athletes also applies to professionals. They are not invulnerable either - and they also have a right to privacy. Anyone who encounters a professional cyclist or a team on a ride owes them respect. Rushing after them to burnish your own ego because you were able to stay ahead for a few seconds is not cool. It's dangerous.

At the latest when the smartphone is pulled out, it completely tips over. Professionals have been saying for years how much this annoys them. I say: rightly so. Filming without asking violates the right to one's own image. Anyone who produces clips for Strava, Insta or TikTok while riding is riding recklessly and increasing the danger to themselves and everyone else on the road. Training is not a content set, professionals are not extras.

Our sport thrives on closeness and community. But closeness without consent is disrespectful and risky. And community without respect is just ego on two wheels.