Why do cyclists say chapeau?

‘Chapeau’ translates as ‘hat’ but it means far more. Used to indicate respect for a fellow cyclist’s efforts, achievement or endeavour Chapeau! is a spoken doffing of the cap. Respect and encouragement are qualities we admire in cyclists.

What is an echelon in cycling?

Echelon. The echelon is where riders position themselves at slight angles alongside each other, to ensure they get the best protection from a crosswind and preserve energy for later in the race. Cyclists riding in an echelon formation.

What does cracking mean in cycling?

When a cyclist totally runs out of energy or strength and are no longer able to keep up they are said to be cracked. This can happen because they have been on their limit for a long time and finally can’t keep up anymore or because a sudden surge in pace makes them unable to stay in contact.

What does flan Rouge mean?

flamme rouge f (plural flammes rouges) (cycling) a red flag indicating to riders that the finish line is coming up in one kilometre.

What does grippy mean in cycling?

Grippy – a slow road. Could be its surface, the terrain. Or the rider! Nailed/glued/stuck to the road.

How do cyclists pee?

Some riders stop at the side of the road to go for a pee. If the need to pee is only really affecting one rider, it’s common practice for the cross-legged individual to make their way to the front of the peloton before stopping off, to give themselves the longest possible window during which to empty their bladder.

What are crosswinds cycling?

Whether it’s a gust blowing across a prairie or a stiff ocean breeze coming towards shore, crosswinds pose a real danger to cyclists — especially fully-loaded touring cyclists, whose panniers and trailers can act as sails, catching the wind and pushing them either off the road or into traffic.

How do cyclists pee in Tour de France?

“If you’re peeing to the right, your right leg is in a 6 o’clock position, left at 12, left hand on the handlebars, right hand holds the shorts down, and you coast while relieving yourself,” King says. Alternatively, riders will sprint off the front and get ahead of the peloton to take a break.

What does hammer mean in cycling?

The lowest gear ratio on your bike, often used when climbing. Hammer. Generally refers to when someone rides away from a group, starts riding faster than everyone else, or attacks. Used in the phrase: they dropped the hammer. Head bobbing.

What does LCL mean in the Tour de France?

It awards a toy lion – le lion en peluche – to each day’s winner as a play on its name. In 2007, sponsorship of the jersey was credited to LCL, the new name for Crédit Lyonnais following its takeover by another bank, Crédit Agricole.

What does GC contender mean?

The yellow jersey, or maillot jaune, is worn by the rider leading the general classification (GC). That is, the competitor with the lowest aggregate time prior to the start of that stage. The man wearing the yellow jersey at the completion of the final stage is considered the winner of the Tour de France.

What does it mean when a French cyclist says Chapeau?

Chapeau A wonderful French term which is frequently used by cyclists to indicate respect for another’s achievements. By saying “chapeau”, which literally means “hat”, the rider is doffing his cap…

When did you start wearing a cycling cap?

Often worn alone for racing until the UCI made helmets compulsory in 2003, they’ve been heavily documented perching atop the heads of pro cyclists of the 70s and 80s, the wearers exuding ‘cool’ and quirky racer vibes. A cycling cap is very different to a baseball cap.

What does the word platoon mean in cycling?

The word “platoon” is thought to be a variation of peloton. Cyclists travel together in packs for protection – mostly from the wind, as a rider uses about a third less energy by riding in another’s slipstream.