In the main information and advice section there is a short list, specifically for the new cyclist, of the most frequently used terms in cycling. As you get more into cycling and even racing, you find as in all other activities, a language perculiar to the pastime. Here we go that stage further and bring you a whole set of terms that cover cycles and components, techniques, training and racing, The racing terms are particularly useful for those trying to understand cycling on TV.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y

A - technique, training and racing

aerobic - an intensity of exercise below the level that produces lactic acid faster than the body can dispose of it. Oxygen needs are continuously met and the exercise can be continued for long periods.

aerodynamic - a design of cycling equipment or a riding position that reduces wind resistance.

anaerobic - an intensity of exercise past the point where the body can cope with its production of lactic acid and need for oxygen. Thus, the exercise level cannot be sustained for long.

anaerobic threshold(AT) - the point just below which the body's energy production switches from aerobic to anaerobic. Interval training raises the heart rate at which the threshold is crossed. Also called the lactate threshold (LT).

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B - technique, training and racing

Blocking - legally impeding the progress of riders in the pack to allow teammates a better chance of success.

BMX - Bicycle Moto Cross - a type of racing done on a closed dirt track over obstacles

Bonk - what happens when you don’t eat and drink enough; a lightheaded feeling

Break, Breakaway - a rider or group of riders who have escaped the pack.

Bridge, Bridge a Gap - to catch a rider or group.

Bunch - the main body of riders in a race. Also called the group, pack, field or peloton.

Bunny-Hop - to jump over obstacles with both wheels off the ground at the same time.

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C - technique, training and racing

cadence - the rate of pedaling, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) of one foot.

carbohydrate - simple sugars and starches that provide a quick source of energy. One gram has four calories. Carbo is plentiful in fruits, grains, potatoes, breads, pasta, etc., and is stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen.

cardiovascular - pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

catch air - to ride with both wheels off the ground when your bike hits a natural rise or dip in the trail.

categories - the division of racers into groups based on ability and/or experience.

chasers - those who are trying to catch a group or a lead rider.

chondromalacia - a serious knee injury in which there is disintegration of cartilage surfaces due to improper tracking of the kneecap. Symptoms start with deep knee pain and a crunching sensation during bending.

circuit - a road course that's ridden two or more times to compose the race.

criterium - a mass-start race covering numerous laps of a course.

cross-country - the standard mountain bike race, in which cyclists ride over hills, through woods, across streams, etc.

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D - technique, training and racing

dab - to put a foot down to prevent toppling over.

domestique - a racer who's role is to sacrifice individual results to work for the team leader.

drafting - tucking in closely behind another rider so as to break the wind therefore saving you energy

dual slalom - similar to skiing, in which riders maneuver around gates on a short downhill course.

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E - technique, training and racing

echelon - a form of paceline used to get maximum draft in a crosswind.

elite - top-of-the-line racers.

endo - to crash by going over the handlebar. Short for end-over-end. They hurt!

ergometer - a stationary, bike-like device with adjustable pedal resistance used in physiological testing or for indoor training.

expert - the category in mountain bike racing between sport and pro/elite.

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F - technique, training and racing

fartlek - Swedish for "speed play." It's a training technique based on unstructured changes in pace and intensity. Is used instead of timed or measured intervals.

field sprint - the dash for the finish line by the main group of riders.

fire road - a road maintained chiefly for emergency vehicle access.

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G - technique, training and racing

general classification (GC) - the overall standings in a stage race.

glucose - a sugar, the final energy-producing fuel of the cells.

glycogen - a sequence of glucose molecules that forms the principal carbohydrate storage material in the body.

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H - technique, training and racing

hill climb - an event contested from bottom to top of a significant vertical challenge, on road or off. Fastest rider to the top wins.

honking - standing while climbing.

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I - technique, training and racing

intervals - a structured method of training that alternates relatively short, hard efforts with recovery periods of much easier riding.

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J - technique, training and racing

jump - a quick, hard acceleration.

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L - technique, training and racing

lactic acid - a by-product of anaerobic exercise that accumulates in the muscles, causing pain and fatigue.

leadout - a race tactic in which a rider accelerates to maximum speed for the benefit of a teammate in tow. The second rider then leaves the draft and sprints past at even greater speed to win the race or prime.

LSD - long, steady distance. A training technique that requires a firm aerobic pace for at least two hours.

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M - technique, training and racing

mass start - events such as road races, criteriums and cross-country races in which all contestants leave the starting line at the same time.

maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) - the maximum amount of oxygen a person can consume in one minute. It is basically determined by heredity and indicates a person's potential in endurance sports.

metric century - a 100-kilometer ride (62 miles)

minuteman - in a time trial, the rider who is one place in front of you in the starting order. So called because in most TTs riders start on one-minute intervals.

motorpace - riding behind a motorcycle or other vehicle that breaks the wind.

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O - technique, training and racing

off-camber turn - the surface slopes sway from the curve, making it difficult and dangerous to go through with speed.

off the back (OTB) - describes a situation where riders have failed to keep pace with the main group, we've all been there!

orthotics - custom-made supports worn in shoes to help neutralise biomechanical imbalances in the feet or legs.

overgear - using a gear that is too big for the terrain or level of fitness.

overtraining - deep-seated fatigue, both physical and mental, caused by training at a volume higher than that to which the body can adapt.

oxygen debt - the amount of oxygen that needs to be consumed to pay back the deficit incurred by anaerobic work.

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P - technique, training and racing

paceline - a group formation in which each rider takes a turn breaking the wind at the front before pulling off, dropping to the rear position, and riding the others' draft until at the front again.

peak - a relatively short period during which maximum performance is achieved.

peloton - the main group of riders in a race.

prime - a special award given to the leader on selected laps during a criterium or track race, or the first rider to reach a certain landmark in a road race. It's used to heighten the action. Pronounced "preem."

pull, pull through - take a turn at the front.

pull off - to move to the side after riding in the lead so that another rider can come to the front.

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Q - technique, training and racing

quadriceps - the large muscle in front of the thigh, the strength of which helps determine a cyclist's ability to pedal with power.

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R - technique, training and racing

repetition - each hard effort in an interval workout. Also, one complete movement in a weight-training exercise.

road race - a mass-start race that goes from point to point, covers one large loop or is held on a circuit longer than those used for criteriums.

road rash - any skin abrasion resulting from a fall.

rollers - an indoor training device that works like a treadmill for bikes.

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S - technique, training and racing

saddle sores - skin injuries that develop from chafing caused by pedaling action. Sores can range from tender raw spots to boil-like lesions if infection occurs.

sag wagon - a motor vehicle that follows a group of riders, carrying equipment and lending assistance in the event of difficulty. Also called the broom wagon.

set - in interval or weight training, a specific number of repetitions.

singletrack - a path so narrow that two cyclists can't ride side by side.

sit on a wheel - to ride in someone's draft.

slingshot - to sprint past another rider after catching up in the draft.

slipstream - the pocket of calmer air behind a moving rider. Also called the draft.

snap - the ability to accelerate quickly.

soft-pedal - to rotate the crank without actually applying power.

specificity - the law of athletic training.

speed work - fast training using intervals, sprints, time trials and motorpacing.

spin - to pedal at high cadence.

spinner - a rider who pedals in a moderate gear at a relatively fast cadence, relying on pedal rpm for speed.

sport - the basic mountain bike racing category.

stage race - a multi-day event consisting of point-to-point and circuit road races, time trials and, sometimes, criteriums. The winner is the rider with the lowest elapsed time for all stages.

suppleness - a quality of highly conditioned leg muscles that allows a rider to pedal at high cadence with smoothness and power. Also known by the French term, souplesse.

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T - technique, training and racing

team time trial (TTT) - a race against the clock with two or more riders working together.

tempo - fast riding at a brisk cadence.

throw the bike - a racing technique in which a rider pushes the bike ahead of his or her body at the finish line, gaining several inches in hopes of winning a close sprint.

time trial (TT) - a race against the clock in which individual riders start at set intervals and cannot give or receive a draft.

track - a velodrome. Also, the word to yell on singletrack when a slower rider is blocking your progress and you want to pass.

training effect - the result of exercise done with an intensity and duration sufficient to bring about positive physiological changes.

trials - a slow-speed off-road event in which you ride through an obstacle course, trying not to dab.

turnaround - the point where the riders reverse direction on an out-and-back time trial course.

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V - technique, training and racing

velodrome - a banked track for bicycle racing.

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