This lap-by-lap analysis of racer positions from the 2017 elite men's world championship road race lends some interesting insight into rider tactics. 

While second- and third-place finishers Alexander Kristoff and Michael Mathews consistently rode near the front for almost the entirety of the race, staying well-positioned in case the difficult course caused a significant split in the field, the eventual winner Peter Sagan gambled. The Slovak rode near the back of the pack for most of the race, mitigating the stress and energy expended by fighting for position near the front. His gamble paid off when he crossed the line inches ahead of Kristoff to secure his third consecutive title.

Many thanks to Tableau's Chris Tolley for putting together this fascinating longitudinal look at how rider positioning contributes to the overall finish.

Click here to view the graph on the Tableau Public website.