sling-shawt
Verb, Noun
A sudden burst of speed over a short distance.
Example usage: I used a slingshot to overtake the lead rider.
Most used in: Road cycling.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 6/10
Also see: drafting, slipstreaming, wheel-sucking, draft-surfing,
What Is a Slingshot in Cycling?
A slingshot is a term used in cycling to describe a maneuver where a rider accelerates quickly and passes another cyclist or group of cyclists ahead of them. This technique is used in many cycling disciplines, including road cycling, mountain biking, and cyclocross.
The slingshot maneuver is executed by accelerating quickly with the help of a rider who is already ahead and using their slipstream to gain speed. This technique is often used in races where riders need to get ahead of their competitors quickly. It is an effective way to gain an advantage over other riders in a race, and can be used to break away from the main group.
There are many benefits to using a slingshot technique in cycling. It helps riders reach a higher speed in a shorter amount of time, which can give them an advantage in races. It also helps riders conserve energy, since they don’t have to expend as much effort to reach a higher speed. According to a study by the University of Colorado, riders who used the slingshot technique in time trials were able to reach higher speeds and finish the race faster than those who didn’t use the technique.
The slingshot technique is an important skill for cyclists to master, as it can give them an edge in races. It is a great way to gain an advantage over other riders, and can help riders conserve energy and reach higher speeds.
The Origin of the Term 'Slingshot' in Cycling
The term “slingshot” was first used in the context of cycling in the early 20th century. It referred to a tactic employed by cyclists in mass starts and races, in which the cyclist would ride in the slipstream of another cyclist, thereby using the other cyclist’s slipstream to gain a speed advantage.
The term is believed to have originated in France, where it was used as early as 1911. It was later adopted by cyclists in the United States, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. During this period, the term was used to describe a cyclist’s attempt to take advantage of another cyclist’s slipstream in order to gain a speed advantage.
The term “slingshot” is still used today in the context of cycling and is used to describe a tactic employed by cyclists in mass starts and races, in which the cyclist rides in the slipstream of another cyclist, thereby using the other cyclist’s slipstream to gain a speed advantage.
