About
About
Aim of the game
On bicycles, tricycles, handbikes and tandems, athletes compete against each other in long-distance road races and against the clock in time trials
Why should you watch this?
Against the backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s luscious coast, these cyclists will put on a thrilling show of lung-busting endurance, explosive speed and tactical intelligence
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Peloton
The main group of riders in a race; they can significantly reduce wind resistance by riding in each other's slipstreams
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Breakaway
When one or more riders leave the peloton to lead the race
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Domestique
A road rider who works for the team’s success, at the expense of individual glory
Impress your friends
Events
Road race
All the riders leave the starting line together and race over a distance that varies according to the athletes’ classification, up to 120km – the winner is the first to cross the finish line.
Time trials
In a race against the clock, riders leave the starting line individually and complete a set route, with the cyclist who records the fastest time being the winner.
Team relay
Mixed teams of three handbikers complete a relay of 18km, each rider completing one third of the course.
Bikes
Tandem
Two-seater bicycle used by athletes with a visual impairment, who ride at the rear, providing the power in a position known as the ‘stoker’, while a sighted ‘pilot’ guide rides up front and steers.
Handbike
Pedalled by hand, these bikes are used by paraplegic athletes and amputees.
Tricycle
The two rear wheels provide greater stability for athletes who have an impairment that affects balance, for example, cyclists with cerebral palsy.
Bicycle
Conventional bicycles can be modified for athletes who wear prostheses or require specific accessories to control the gears and brakes, for example.
Kit
Lightweight, aerodynamic and well-ventilated, cycling kit must be made of material that absorbs sweat and allows the skin to ‘breathe’.
Stats
Top Medalists
| Men | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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AUS
Christopher Scott
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | |
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AUS
Peter Homann
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2 | 2 | 1 | 5 | |
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CZE
Jiri Jezek
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | |
| Women | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GER
Dorothee Vieth
|
0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
|
GBR
Sarah Storey
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
|
USA
Marianna Davis
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
