Glossary - types of riders
Sprinter

A sprinter is a type of rider who is known for explosive power and acceleration.  They often have a large build, usually with massive quads and strong upper bodies.

Since they are relatively heavier than other riders their speed advantage is often limited to flatter sections and they can and are often dropped in hilly terrain.

Sprinters are know for drafting in the slipstream of teammates (usually the domestiques) who are sheltering them, before launching into a sprint in the final meters of a race.

Some sprinters are stronger in hillier terrain and cobblestones, and are sometimes categorized to be Puncheurs.  They often excel in the classics races.

Mark Cavendish


considered one of the best contemporary sprinters, he has 43 stage wins in Grand Tours, 25 of which were bunch sprints in the TdF going head to head with the best sprinters in the world.