Commissaires

Commissaires

Commissaires

This is the second of a series in a glossary of pro cycling terms. An understanding of cycling's terms and expressions, particularly the French terms, adds to the enjoyment of the sport. This glossary will help with translation and provide an understanding of when and how the terms are used.

Allez, French.

Go. A common phrase of encouragement used by fans and spectators to all the riders as the peloton passes. Fans cheer the whole peloton, not just individuals or teams. They often stand on the side of the road for hours waiting to see the peloton pass. On the mountain climbs fans camp for days to secure a vantage point. Calling out 'allez', clapping, waving team and national flags as well as painting the riders' names and encouragement on the road are all used to encourage the riders.

Arriere du Peleton Fr.

Rear of the bunch, the last riders in the peloton. This often happens to domestiques who have 'buried' themselves for their leader in setting tempo at the front of the peloton and are exhausted. It also happens to climbers in the mountains.