Dictionary

knobbies: Tires with knobby or bumpy tread patterns. Knobbies provide more traction on mud and other soft surfaces, but perform poorly on pavement.

KOM: King of the mountains; a points competition for the best mountain climber in the Tour de France.

lead out: A racing strategy. One rider races at high speed while a second rides in his or her slipstream. A lead out is designed to give the second rider a head start.

lined out: Riders in a long line, spaced out due to the struggle of keeping up with the lead rider.

maillot à pois: The polka dot jersey worn by the winner of the King of the Mountains contest.

maillot blanc: A white jersey, worn by the best rider under 25 in the Tour de France.

maillot jaune: The yellow jersey worn by a race leader.

maillot vert: Jersey given to the leader of the Tour de France's sprint points competition.

neo-pro: "New pro;" a rookie just entering professional bicycling.

noodle: Curved tubing that guides brake cables around right angle bends.