the sport of cycling

[kmherrera]

alright so i've only ever seen professional cycling on tv, but i know that there is some strategy involved.  i want to know what each position does during the race, such as the sprinter vs the cycling domestique, etc.  what is drafting, what is the difference between point scoring and stage winning?  so much to know, i want to know too!

[kgyoung]

Hi Kat!  Glad you found the forums.  Hope to see you out on the road with us.  This is definitely the place to find out about rides.

To answer your question.  I am only going to give a brief outline as I am sure that other will add more.  I am telling you jersey colors as well and I am using the jersey for the Tour.  Giro and Vuelta use slightly different color variations.

Team Leader: Usually the best overall (climber, time trialer) on the team.  This is the person that the rest of the team works for to have them in first place at the end of the stage race (multi day race).  Usually this person finishes close to the front of the pack (safest position) on fairly flat stages, but really shines on climbing stages and time trials.  Those are the stages that allow them to pull to the front of the whole race overall in time. (Yellow Jersey)

Sprinter:  Not all teams have a sprinter, but this is the person that will contest each flatish stage for the stage victory.  Not usually the best climbers due to the larger amount of muscle mass required for sprinting. (The first finishers of each day on flatish stages are awarded points based on their finishing place, the person with the most points get the green jersey) (Also sprint point available during the stage)

Climber: Each mountain stage has points like the flatish stages, the person with the most mountain points gets the Polka Dotted Jersey

Domestique: This role make sup the majority of theam.  The purpose of these riders is to support the team leader and the sprinters (leads out sprinters for stage win).  These people are the heart and soul of the cycling team.  They go back to the car to get to get water bottles, if the team leader  has mechanical problems then they are there to lend him the parts if the car is too far away or to pull him back to the group if he has to stop for repairs.  These people protect the leader and try to keep him from working too hard and wearing himself out for the important stages where th team leaders are supposed to shine.  When you see the big line of riders from one team out in front.  That lne is made up primarily of the domestiquies.  That is a ageneral overview of the cycling team.

Like I said, I am sure people will add more to this.

[SHASTA]

word...!

[kmherrera]

when does the season start, and until when is it open?  are there any requirements in terms of minimum GPA, hours enrolled at UH, etc., in order to be a member?

[Aiar(Izzy)]

no. Just come ride

[kmherrera]

so on the to infinite world of the bicycles themselves.

i have a '94 nishiki modulus.  it's an entry level, steel-framed bike with shimano exage drive components & shifters.  i know it's not a terribly excellent bike, and i like the steel frame for my commuter use.

seems like EVERYONE has a really badass aluminum alloy bike, which probably weighs nothing compared to mine.  does anyone race on a steel frame anymore?  how important is it to have clipless pedals vs. my old school toe clips?  i'm saving up for a better bike and know almost nothing about specific things like gear ratio, cranks, and wheelsets...

[Aiar(Izzy)]

Stay with what you have for now.

It's nice to have a carbon bike but it's not a "must". It's more important to ride.  chances that you will shave much more  time in races are slim, it's more about the rider at this point. Older bikes are made really well and many times they are not so heavy where you can't function.

However, long distance riding may take a toll on your butty, so you might want to get few pairs of cycling tights.


Oh yeah, I race a steel on the track, it weighs a ton too, she has pink wheels and gave me a lot of podiums.

Also Eric races steel and this guy is nothing but a beast. he wins races left and right.