Cycling Terminology for the Amgen Tour of California Riders: In
professional cycling the racers are generally called riders as
opposed to racers or cyclists. Route map: The course or path the
riders will take from start to finish. Some stages will have
laps where riders will repeat the same few blocks within the
stage. Stage 8 has 5 laps before the finish. Stage profile: Maps
the ascents and descents along a stage. It is often fun for fans
to see the riders on a climb where the rider's speed slows
slightly (or coming around a corner). Rolling neutral start:
Riders begin at a start line but do not begin racing until a few
blocks or miles into the route (the distance varies). A neutral
start is used if the start area conditions are narrow, crowded,
or unsafe for race conditions. A neutral start is also sometimes
used as a show of respect. Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 all have
neutral starts this year. KOM (King of Mountain): First rider to
the top of a designated climb on the race route. Riders receive
points, th