Dictionary

tête de la course: The cyclist in first place during a race.

time trial: A race where cyclists start one at a time. The winner is the one with the shortest time, not the cyclist who crosses the finish line first.

toe clips: Pedal accessories holding foot straps in place.

Tour de France: An annual, three-week road race through most of France.

track bike: A racing bicycle with fixed gears, thin tires, low handlebars and no brakes. Used for track racing.

track stand: Balancing on a bicycle without moving.

tuck: An aerodynamic position, with the body pulled in tight to the bicycle. Used for going downhill and in time trials.

UCI: International Cycling Union (Union Cycliste Internationale); the international governing body of bicycle races.

velodrome: A bicycle racetrack.

wheel sucker: A cyclist who drafts in other bicyclists slipstream without taking his or her turn at the front.