MOPED: An Agent-based Model for Peloton Dynamics in Competitive Cycling

Résumé—MOPED (an acronym for Model of Peloton Dynamics) is a proposed model for peloton dynamics in competitive cycling. Using an agent-based approach, it aims to generate the very complex behaviour observed in real-life competitive cycling from a collective of agents with very simple rules themselves. Cyclists try to minimize the average energy expenditure by riding behind other cyclists, in a behaviour known as drafting. Drafting cyclists spend considerably less energy than frontrunners, making this a very important fact for strategies. We incorporate physiology concepts trying to quantify energy expenditure and recovery in different scenarios. Starting from a very simple model of identical cyclists, multiple iterations with increasing complexity are proposed, incorporating more and more aspects of the real physics involved in this sport. Finally, we analyse the results and try to compare them to real-life behaviour to validate the model.