Novertakes – how to avoid them

‘Novertake = a following driver wants to be immediately behind the car you’re following and take the space you’re in without overtaking – driving right up behind you or casually driving too close alongside so you have to brake to get out of the conflict’

I’d be grateful for thoughts on how to discourage it.

This happened twice today. Thanks to a tailwind, I was rolling with the traffic at 30-35mph in a 30mph limit, daylight, good viz and dry.

I was riding in primary, as sensibly close to the car in front as I dared – within a car length, and sprinting out of the saddle as speeds picked up to maintain position, wearing fluorescents, flashy tail light, 100+rpm cadence, so I was definitely seen.

First one kept surging behind me, getting too close.

Second one drew alongside casually at a wide point, then lent on me as we approached a central island.

Both times, I had to pull left and brake to avoid conflict.

I followed both cars for a couple of miles. I didn’t feel any punishment or agression.

Aside from carrying rear or side facing weapons, how would you deter such amoeba?

Many thanks J