Abandon
This is where a rider gives up during a race. It may be caused by injury, damage to equipment where no spares are available, or a rider may simply have had enough Top
Attack
This is where a rider accelerates quickly for a short period of time in order to get away from other riders Top
Bordure
This is a tactic used by teams to separate riders. When there is a strong crosswind, riders fan out to be protected against it - this causes lines of fans to appear, and riders are forced to drop back, physically separating the two sets of riders, creating a gap. With teammates in the right place therefore, this tactic can be extremely effective. This is most commonly used on bends, as the wind direction then means that closing the gap is extremely difficult
Counter Attack
If another rider attacks, a rider may attack as well, but behind him in order to save energy through slipstreaming Top
General Classification
Can be abbreviated to GC, this is the rider who currently leads the race, so in nearly all circumstances, is the rider with the least accumulative time across a stage race
Lanterne Rouge
This is the name given to the rider who is currently last in the rankings. The name comes from the French, and refers to the Red Lantern found on the end of a train to show no wagons have been lost. The current Tour de France lanterne rouge is Wim Vansevenant, for the 2nd year in a row Top
Lead Out
This is the term given to a team mate used in a sprint, where the team's sprinter shelters behind the team mate, so that he can use less energy and produce a more explosive and fast sprint. It uses the concept of slipstreaming Top
Northern Classic
A northern classic is generally a name given to race which features cobbles within it - races like Paris Roubaix and Gent - Wevelgem are perfect examples of this Top
Pavé
Pavé is the French word for cobblestones. You will see this word crop up many times during the Paris - Roubaix and other cobbled classics. Top
Peloton
A French word meaning the main group of riders. Also called the bunch, the pack or the field. Top
Puncture
This is where a rider gets a hole in his wheel, which allows air out and deflates the wheel. This is dangerous because the inflated wheel provides the stability to be able to ride the bike. A puncture can be caused for numerous reasons, but is normally caused by small stones or debris on the road Top
Slipstream
This is the fundamental reason for teams in cycling. A slipstream is created behind another rider as they ride along, so it takes less energy for the rider behind to stay at the same pace. This is caused by the front rider reducing air resistance behind him. This means that it is easier to stay in a larger bunch of riders, as riders can take turns up the front, enabling periodic rests Top
Stage Race
A stage race consists of consecutive days of racing (with 2 races sometimes in 1 day), and a winner is totalled up at the end, usually the rider who has taken the least time. The most famous stage race is the Tour de France Top
