wannabecyclist said:
Hi all, my husband and I are somewhat new to the sport of cycling. A family member who cycles introduced us to it and we are really loving it. However, we cannot figure out something about the breakaway. When the commentators mention that a cyclist is in the break, they usually say that this is good for the leader back in the peloton. We don't understand this. So what if you have a guy out front. How can he help his team leader later on in the race by being out front?
Not sure if I'm 100% getting your question, but...
In the TdF say Nibali has one teammate from Astana in the breakaway during a stage. Astana would not "chase" the breakaway to try and reel it in before the end of the stage, because maybe that guy can win from the breakaway. Teams with teammates in the breakaway will let the breakaway go, whereas teams without teammates in the breakaway will chase if they think they can win the stage and/or feel like trying.
Alternatively, incase your question is asking something else. If Nibali has a teammate in the breakaway and decides to attack the peloton and is able to chase all the way up the breakaway than his teammate can try and pace him (save Nibali some energy) for a while before Nibali pushes on solo again.
I hope I answered your question, if not I'm sure someone else will.