Autobus (cycling)

As Gruppetto (Italian for ' small groups ') or l' Autobus (Fr. ) is called in cycling for longer tours a group of drivers that forms before the last climb of a stage at the end of the driver's field. These drivers are defaulted helpers, sprinters and others who were thrown back by the previous gradients and team tasks and the need to make sure not to exceed the time limit, which would mean the exclusion of the tour.

Within the Gruppettos it is common that one of the most experienced professionals sets the pace. These drivers have a feel for it to come in good time before the time limit to the finish. In addition, the driver stay together in Gruppetto because a large group that comes after maternity leave to the finish, often pardoned and will not be taken out of the race as a single driver. At the Tour de France, the time limit may be extended by the jury without giving reasons (eg adverse weather conditions ), if more than 20 % of drivers do not reach the target in the allotted time.

In contrast to the top group there are an extraordinary solidarity in Gruppetto. You help with food rations, water bottles, spare parts and clothing across teams, since the common arrival is in the foreground.