What does this mean? (controlled first 1/2 mile)

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

"The road race is a mass-start (all riders start together) and is controlled for the first ½ mile."

I'm going in my first road race on Saturday, at the Empire State Senior Games or fun and haven't seen this before. Does that mean they have some sort of pace bike that holds the speed for the first 1/2 mile.

Thanks for your help. (I need it)

Rich

From what I understand, it just means that you'll be rolling neutral for the first half-mile. There isn't usually a pace bike per se, but riders just roll slow to the starting line. No point wasting energy before the race has started.

"The road race is a mass-start (all riders start together) and is controlled for the first ½ mile."...Generally that means you'll follow a pace car for the first half mile and you are not permitted to pass the pace car. A lot of races start that way to get folks rolling together or to get a large group through a narrow or hazardous section at the start so there isn't a big pileup before you hit the open road and things start to settle in.

-Dave

Thanks for your help. Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Rich