Negative splitting — running the second half faster than the first — is the closest thing road racing has to a cheat code. Here's the math.

The rule

Banking time in the first half is a loan with terrible interest. You pay it back at double, in the last 5k.

The split

First half at 2–3 seconds per km slower than goal pace, second half at 2–3 faster. That's the whole strategy.

The payoff

You finish passing people instead of being passed. There's no better feeling in the sport.