Tour de France Glossary

cycle wheel spokes There are many terms that are unique to the Tour de France, or specific to cycling, that require this glossary to define them.

Domestiques — usually young "up-and-coming" riders who are required to do the dirty work for the team.
Drafting — when riders shelter behind each other in the other riders slipstream, which is called drafting. When behind another rider, less effort is required to maintain the same pace.
flamme rouge (also red kite) — the red pennant hanging from an archway at the start of the final kilometer
Grand Départ — the first stage
Hors-categorie — mountain peaks where the difficulty in climbing is beyond categorization

Lanterne rouge — the rider ranked last in the general classification. This translates as "red lantern" (as that found at the end of a rail train).
Peloton — the main group of riders during ordinary stages
Prologue — The time trial which is also the first stage of the tour.
Red kite (also flamme rouge) — the red pennant hanging from an archway at the start of the final kilometer
Teté de la course — the course leader or leading group

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