Cool Language

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Hello guys I’m doing for my French class a presentation about the language of the bicyclist, or what I like to call cyclespeak. I was interesting on a number of expressions that are used in European races and are from different languages, not necessarily English.



For example I think that to flick with somebody is to mess with him, just for the purpose of making his life difficult and comes from the German flicken. I was wondering if you know different words like that. I am not particular interested in the common lingo for I know it but something more special.



Also I remember reading in one of Lance’s books about a happening in which he wanted to give the stage win to somebody else, and Italian, and rode along and told him to come, but was misinterpreted as something else and I was wondering if any of you know the situation and the words in Italian.



I know this is a lot to ask but it seams to me to be pretty interesting stuff. Thanks.

grupetto - group of shitty climbers trying to claw their way up a slpe together

peleton - main group of riders

bidon - water bottle

Hello guys I’m doing for my French class a presentation about the language of the bicyclist, or what I like to call cyclespeak. I was interesting on a number of expressions that are used in European races and are from different languages, not necessarily English.



For example I think that to flick with somebody is to mess with him, just for the purpose of making his life difficult and comes from the German flicken. I was wondering if you know different words like that. I am not particular interested in the common lingo for I know it but something more special.



Also I remember reading in one of Lance’s books about a happening in which he wanted to give the stage win to somebody else, and Italian, and rode along and told him to come, but was misinterpreted as something else and I was wondering if any of you know the situation and the words in Italian.



I know this is a lot to ask but it seams to me to be pretty interesting stuff. Thanks.


TdF 2000.Armstrong claims that he said "Vince" (Italian for "you can win") to Marco Pantani on Stage 12,Mont Ventoux.He says that Pantani thought he said"Vitesse" (French for "quicker") and that Pantani regarded it as a taunt.

My favorite Italian expression:

"Ho bevutto il camino"

It's great. You''lll love it.