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In the world of professional cycling, success often hinges on the collective effort of a team. Riders work together to strategize, protect their leaders, and pursue victories. However, some teams rely more heavily on a single rider's performance than others.

Let's take a look at a comparison between the teams. Which teams are more dependant of a single star than others?

Certain squads have a standout rider who consistently contributes a significant percentage of their total team points. Topping the list is Jasper Philipsen. The sprinter from Alpecin-Deceuninck has achieved a significant milestone, contributing an impressive 25% of the total points for the Belgian team. Noteworthy is the combination of both quantity and quality, with 19 victories, including 8 WorldTour wins, during the past season. It is particularly interesting to observe that, in tandem with World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, this dynamic duo accounted for 45% of Alpecin-Deceuninck's total points, a figure that surpasses the collective contributions of key riders Pello Bilbao, Mikel Landa, and Matej Mohorič at Bahrain-Merida.

In the women's peloton, the distribution of points is even more interesting. Seven teams had their top rider responsible for nearly or over a third of the team's total points in 2023.

Another observation: the remarkable contribution of Demi Vollering within the star-studded Team SD-Worx. Despite having superstars like Lorena Wiebes, Lotte Kopecky, and Marlen Reusser as teammates, Vollering remains responsible for a significant third of the team's points.

It's worth noting that the one-rider dominance strategy can yield significant success, but it also carries its risks. Injuries or an off-day from the key rider can have a substantial impact on the team's overall performance. For example, where would FDJ-SUEZ rank with a fully fit and competitive Marta Cavalli? Where would Miguel Angel Lopez rank if he won his 27 (!) races this year on pro level instead of national and UCI .2-races?