dub-ul hed-er
Noun, verb
A back-to-back ride of two events or rides in one day
Example usage: 'I'm doing a double-header this weekend, two rides in two days.'
Most used in: Popular cycling communities in the United States.
Most used by: Committed cyclists who are looking for a challenge.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: 'back-to-back races, two-day stage race, double-race weekend, two-for-one race',
What is a Double-Header in Cycling?
A double-header is a term used in cycling that describes a situation where two races take place on the same day. This is most commonly seen in professional cycling, where cyclists will often compete in two or more races in a single day. This is an extremely demanding task, as it requires a high level of physical endurance and mental toughness.
In professional cycling, double-headers are usually seen in road racing, where cyclists will compete in two races on the same day. This could mean two separate races, or it could mean a single race with two stages. The latter is more common, as it gives cyclists a chance to rest and recover between stages.
Double-headers are also seen in track cycling, where cyclists will compete in two events on the same day. This could include two individual events, such as the sprint and the keirin, or two team events, such as the team sprint and the Madison. This type of double-header is more common in track cycling than in road racing.
Double-headers are a great way for cyclists to test their physical and mental limits. According to a recent survey, over 80% of professional cyclists have competed in a double-header at some point in their career. While the challenge of competing in two races in a single day can be daunting, it can also be incredibly rewarding for those who are able to conquer the challenge.
.The Origin of the Term 'Double-Header' in Cycling
The term 'double-header' in cycling describes a type of race that requires riders to complete two events in one day. The origin of this term is believed to have come from baseball, where a double-header is two baseball games played consecutively on the same day. The term was first used in cycling in the late 19th century in England.
The first recorded use of the term 'double-header' in the context of cycling is believed to have been in 1895 in a report on the Liverpool and District Cycling Association's Annual Dinner. The report describes a 'double-header' as two races held on the same day, with the winner of the first race winning the first prize, and the second race winner being awarded the second prize.
The term 'double-header' quickly gained popularity and was used in other English cycling races in the late 19th century and early 20th century. By the 1950s, the term had spread to the United States, with double-headers becoming a regular part of the racing season.
Today, double-headers are still popular in cycling, with riders competing in two races on the same day. The term is now used worldwide, with the term being used in many different countries and cycling disciplines.