FLAH-ing two-hundred
Noun, Verb
Flying 200 is a sprint race over 200 metres.
Example usage: 'John won the Flying 200 in a time of 10.2 seconds.'
Most used in: Track cycling events.
Most used by: Professional track cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Flying 200m, Flying 200-meter TT, Flying 200m TT, Flying 200m Time Trial,
Understanding the Cycling Term 'Flying 200'
-
Objective: The primary aim of the flying 200m time trial is to record the fastest possible time over a distance of 200 meters. Unlike other time trials where riders start from a standstill, in this event, riders begin with several lead-in laps to gain speed.
-
The Start: Riders start further back on the track, typically completing around 2 to 3 laps building up their speed. These initial laps allow the rider to reach an optimal velocity before they hit the 200m timed section. This build-up is essential as it enables the cyclist to hit the 200m mark at top speed.
-
Timed Section: Once the rider enters the 200m section, the clock starts, and their time over this distance is recorded. In many velodromes, electronic timing systems are used, which offer highly accurate timing down to thousandths of a second.
-
Technique: There's a significant amount of strategy and technique involved. Riders often start their buildup high on the banking of the track, then swoop down to use the slope's gravitational pull to gain extra speed just before they enter the timed section. The optimal line and the moment to dive down require experience and skill.
-
Significance in Sprint Racing: In major competitions like the Olympics or World Championships, the flying 200m time trial is used to seed riders for the match sprint events. The quickest riders in the time trial are seeded highest and often gain a tactical advantage in the head-to-head matchups that follow.
-
Equipment: Bikes used for this event are highly specialized. They are stripped down to the essentials to be as lightweight as possible while maintaining the required rigidity for maximum power transfer. These bikes don't have brakes or multiple gears. Aerodynamics also plays a significant role, with riders wearing streamlined helmets and skin-tight clothing.
-
Records: As with many track cycling events, the times recorded in the flying 200m time trial have decreased over the years due to advancements in training, technique, and equipment. It's always exciting to see top athletes push the boundaries of what's possible in this high-speed event.
Overall, the flying 200m time trial is a thrilling display of speed, power, and strategy, showcasing the peak abilities of track cyclists.
The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Flying 200'
The term 'flying 200' is commonly used in cycling to refer to a particular event in the sport. This event is a time trial, in which the athlete must cycle a distance of 200 meters as quickly as possible. This event originated in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century.
The event quickly gained popularity and soon spread to other countries, including Australia and the United States. By the early 20th century, the event was commonly referred to as the 'Flying 200' in both countries. This name was chosen as the distance was usually marked out in meters, rather than yards.
The 'Flying 200' has been an integral part of the sport of cycling ever since. It is now a standard event at all major cycling competitions and is used as a way to determine the fastest cyclists in the world. The current world record for the 'Flying 200' is held by Australian cyclist Shane Perkins, who set a time of 9.347 seconds in 2018.
