bahyk thraw
verb, noun
The act of throwing one's bicycle at the finish line of a race.
Example usage: The cyclist celebrated his win by doing a bike throw.
Most used in: Racing competitions around the world.
Most used by: Professional and amateur cyclists.
Popularity: 7/10
Comedy Value: 8/10
Also see: Lead-out, Sprint, Drag Race, Acceleration,
What is a Bike Throw?
In cycling, a "bike throw" refers to a technique used by sprinters at the finish line of a race to maximise their chances of winning a closely contested sprint. When riders are neck-and-neck approaching the finish line, they may perform a bike throw to gain a slight advantage and secure the victory.
The bike throw involves the sprinter forcefully and quickly throwing their bike forward and downward at the finish line while keeping their hands on the handlebars. This action extends the front wheel slightly ahead of the rider, often by just a few centimetres, in an attempt to cross the finish line first.
The bike throw is a risky manoeuvre and requires precise timing and coordination to execute correctly. If performed too early or too late, the rider may lose the advantage and be overtaken by competitors. It is a split-second decision that can be the difference between victory and a close second-place finish.
The bike throw is often seen in bunch sprints, where a large group of riders is contesting the stage victory at the end of a race. Professional sprinters, who are specialists at high-speed finishes, have mastered the art of the bike throw and use it as a valuable tool in their arsenal to win races.
It's worth noting that the bike throw is a contentious move, as some consider it an aggressive tactic that may increase the risk of crashes or endanger other riders. As a result, race organisers and governing bodies may have rules and regulations regarding the use of the bike throw and its safety implications.
In conclusion, the bike throw is a sprinting technique used by cyclists to gain a small advantage and secure victory in closely contested finishes. It is an exciting and dramatic aspect of road cycling, often determining the winner of high-profile races.
The History of the 'Bike Throw' in Cycling
The origin of the term "bike throw" in cycling can be traced back to the early days of road racing when riders started to contest sprint finishes at the end of races. As races became more competitive and closely contested, riders began to look for every advantage they could get to secure victory.
The term "bike throw" likely emerged organically from the action itself. When a rider sprints toward the finish line with other competitors, they approach the line at such high speeds that even the smallest movements can make a significant difference. When a rider forcefully throws their bike forward and downward at the exact moment of crossing the finish line, it can lead to their front wheel crossing the line just inches or centimeters ahead of their competitors. This slight advantage can result in winning the sprint and claiming victory.
While there might not be a documented historical origin of the term in cycling literature, the concept of the bike throw has been a part of the sport for many decades. As sprint finishes became more frequent and dramatic, the term became widely understood and used among cyclists, commentators, and fans to describe the crucial technique employed by sprinters in the final moments of a race.
The bike throw remains an essential and exciting aspect of road cycling sprints, and it continues to be employed by professional sprinters as a means of gaining a slight edge over their rivals at the finish line.
