peloton

Peloton, in road bicycle racing, refers to the large group of riders that forms the main pack during a race. The peloton benefits from drafting, which reduces air resistance and allows the group to ride at high speeds with less energy. The term is French in origin, dating to the 19th century, roughly translating to platoon or crowd. Race dynamics, terrain, and team tactics determine its size and pace, with breakaways challenging the group’s cohesion.

Within the peloton, riders seek shelter from wind while conserving energy for key moments such as climbs or sprints. Teams rotate leaders to share work, and riders position themselves to contest finishes; tempo and gaps can change quickly due to weather, road conditions, or the actions of breakaway units.

Peloton Interactive, Inc. is an American fitness technology company based in New York City. Founded in the 2010s, it develops connected fitness equipment and media platforms. Its products include stationary bikes and treadmills with touchscreens that stream live and on-demand classes, supported by a subscription service and online community.

Its product lines include the Peloton Bike, Bike+, and Peloton Tread, with apps offering workouts beyond cycling. The company emphasizes instructor-led workouts and real-time performance metrics. It has faced safety recalls for treadmills and consumer concerns about price and privacy, leading to adjustments in hardware, software, and content strategy.