Attack
An aggressive “jump” to get away from another rider or the bunch
Blocking
When a rider tries to get in the way of other riders, usually done as part of a team strategy to slow down the main field when other team members are ahead in a breakaway
Bidon
French word for a cyclist’s drink bottle
Bonk
To expire due to lack of hydration or calorie intake.
Break or Breakaway
A single or group of riders who have cycled away from the bunch
Bridge the Gap
When a rider or group of riders is attempting to reach a group farther ahead
Peloton
French word for the main pack or group of riders
Cadence
Number of pedal revolutions per minute (rpm)
Drafting
Riding closely behind another rider or group, which creates a slipstream, or air pocket. Riders take turns of leading as the lead rider expends up to 30 percent more energy than the following rider(s) does
Derailleur
The mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to another
Domestique
Riders in a team who are the 'worker bees' of the team. From the french for 'servant', domestiques typically shield their fastest sprinter or team leader from the wind, share food, and set-up their best rider for a sprint finish.
Dropped
Describes riders(s) that have been left behind by a group they were riding with.
Echelon
A line of riders taking orderly turns at the lead and staggered so that each rider will get maximum protection from the wind. Also called a "pace line"
Feeding
At some point during a long road race it is necessary for riders to replace expended energy. Riders are given a "musette," a small cloth bag, containing food and water bottles. Riders grab the bag from the team support personnel, remove the contents and put them in the pockets of their jerseys to eat when most convenient.
Field Sprint
The final sprint between a group of riders, not necessarily for first place
Force the Pace
When one rider goes harder than the pack to increase the tempo
Gap
The distance between individual or groups
Groupetto
A group of riders in a bike race that has been left behind by the main peloton.
Jump
A quick acceleration usually done at the first part of a sprint or attack
Lead out
Race tactic where the leading rider accelerates to maximum speed with a team mate following close behind. The team mate accelerates out of the draft and sprints past to the finish line.
Lapping
Sharing the effort in a pace line
Soigneur
Pronounced "Swa-neur" Comparable to a trainer in other sports, this person gives massages and watches the physical health of the riders along with the team doctors
Sprint
The final burst of speed to the finish line
Turn
When a rider is at the front of pace line they are “taken a turn”
Velodrome
An oval banked track, usually 250 meters in length. In general, track riders and road riders compete in separate kinds of events. The difference in training and ability is similar to the difference between sprinters and long-distance runners.
Wheel Following
Occupying position other than the lead spot in the pace line