attack a cycling tactic, where a rider sprints away from the peloton to try and take the lead
breakaway a cycling tactic, where a small group of riders or an individual move ahead, or break away, from the peloton
climb a part of a race or stage where riders must ride uphill quickly
descent a part of a race or stage where riders must ride downhill quickly
General Classification (GC) a category of competition in stage races. This category tracks riders’ overall time—the total time taken to complete all stages. The GC winner is the rider whose time is the quickest when all their stage times are added together.
mountain bike an off-road bike designed for riding over rough terrain, typically with a strong frame, suspension and wide tyres
peloton a French term for the main group of riders in a bike race
podium finish the top three results in a professional bike race are first, second and third—any of these results are referred to as a podium finish.
road bike a bike designed to be ridden on the road, typically with light wheels and smooth tyres
rollers a training and warm-up device on which a rider pedals a bike without moving forward
stage one segment of a multi-day race, such as the Tour de France
stage race a race that takes place over a number of days. Each day of racing is called a stage.
time trial an event or part of a stage race, this is a race against the clock. In individual time trials, each rider starts the race separately. In team time trials, teammates race against the clock as a team.
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) translates in English to the International Cycling Union. This organisation promotes and administers cycling around the world.
Hilary Badger has written many bestselling books for children. She is the author of the Space Scout series and has also written for the popular Zac Power series.