Glossary of Bicycling - M

M

madison

The madison is a mass-start track event comprising teams of two riders per team. It is similar to a team points race, as points are awarded to the top finishers at the intermediate sprints and for the finishing sprint. Only one of the two team riders is racing on the track at any one time, riding for a number of laps, and then exchanging with his partner by a hand sling. The name comes from the original Madison Square Garden, which was constructed as a velodrome.

magic spanner

The situation where a mechanic in a support vehicle will appear to be making adjustments to the bike but in reality they are giving fatigued riders a break by holding onto the car and getting a massive push-off when the commissaires get too close.

MAMIL

Abbreviation of middle-aged men in lycra, a popular bicycle buying demographic for high-end bicycles

manual

Lifting the front wheel of the bicycle in the air whilst riding - solely by the shifting of the rider's bodyweight - and continuing to ride on only the back wheel. The rider maintains the wheelie by leaning back and applying rear brake in order to balance the bicycle on only the rear wheel. A nose manual is similar, but the rider balances on the front wheel (nose) and applies the front brake.

mongo hop

The act of making the bike airborne by hopping whilst riding the bike and lifting both wheels simultaneously. Inferior to the bunny hop due to the reduced distance over which both wheels are airborne.

MTB

The activity of mountain biking, or a mountain bike itself.

musette

Small lightweight cotton shoulder bag, used for containing food and drink given to riders in a feed zone during a cycle race. The bag is designed so that it can be easily grabbed by a moving rider. The shoulder strap is placed over the head and one shoulder, the contents are then removed and placed into jersey pockets or bottles (bidons) are placed into bottle cages. The bag is then discarded.

Muur

wall in English a short very steep climb, from a few dozens to some hundreds meter on a high % of rise until more than 20%. Muur van Geraardsbergen, Kapellemuur, Koppenberg.