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Overview:
- Type: Group bicycle touring style.
- Origins: Popular in Europe, especially in France.
- Concept: Unlike traditional randonneuring, which is focused on individual endurance and self-sufficiency, Audax is more about group cohesion and maintaining a steady pace.
Key Features:
- Road Captain: An experienced rider who sets and maintains a steady pace for the group.
- Group Finish: All riders are expected to finish together, emphasizing team effort and cooperation.
- Sag Wagon: Unlike in pure randonneuring, a sag wagon (support vehicle) is allowed to assist riders, providing support if needed.
Purpose:
- Social Aspect: Audax emphasizes the social experience of riding in a group and sharing the journey.
- Pacing: The steady pace set by the road captain helps ensure that the group maintains a consistent speed and finishes together.
Difference from Randonneuring:
- Randonneuring: Focuses on individual endurance, with riders navigating and completing the route independently without support vehicles.
- Audax: Centers on group dynamics, with a more structured approach including a sag wagon for support.