pell-oh-tee
Noun
A tight group of cyclists riding together.
Example usage: 'We formed a pelote and rode together for the rest of the journey.'
Most used in: European cycling culture.
Most used by: avid cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Paceline, Echelon, Rotisserie, Drafting,
What is 'Pelote' in Cycling?
In the world of cycling, the term “pelote” is used to describe a group of riders who break away from the main peloton. A peloton is the main group of riders in a race, usually composed of several dozen cyclists. The pelote is a smaller group that has broken away from the peloton in an attempt to gain an advantage or to break away from the main field.
The pelote can be composed of anywhere between two and eight riders, and is typically made up of some of the strongest riders in the race. The riders in the pelote will work together, taking turns at the front of the group, to keep the pace high and maintain a gap between them and the peloton. This strategy can help them stay away from the peloton and possibly even win the race.
According to data from the Union Cycliste Internationale, pelotons are becoming increasingly common in professional cycling races. In 2018, pelotons accounted for 32.3% of all breakaways, up from 28.4% in 2014. This suggests that more riders are attempting to break away and form pelotons, in order to gain an advantage in races.
In summary, a pelote in cycling is a small group of riders who have broken away from the main peloton in an attempt to gain an advantage in a race. Data from the Union Cycliste Internationale suggests that pelotons are becoming increasingly common in professional cycling races.
The Origin of the Term 'Pelote' in Cycling
The term 'pelote' has been used in cycling for many years, but its origin is still debated. It is believed to have originated in France in the late 19th century, with the first recorded use of the term appearing in the French cycling magazine La Velocipedie in 1895. The term was used to describe a group of cyclists who rode together, usually in a paceline or peloton.
The term was derived from the French word 'pelote,' meaning a small ball of yarn, which was used to describe the tight formation of cyclists in a paceline. The term was also used to describe the circular formation of cyclists in a race, as riders would form a tight peloton in order to minimize drag and conserve energy.
Today, the term 'pelote' is still used to describe a group of cyclists riding together, and the term is also used to describe an individual who is leading a peloton. The term has also become a popular cycling slang term, and is often used to describe a rider who is leading the pack.
