"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Two Questions

Has anyone heard the expression? “On the rivet”? I have always assumed that it meant that the rider was at his maximum sustainable effort. I heard Phil say it during one of the stages, and I was trying to explain it to my wife when I realized that I did not really know for sure what it meant. Any idea?

During the run in to the finish on the sprinter stages, I always hear a whistle right before the fight for the finish. I’m assuming that it is so the riders know how far out they are. Is this correct? And how far out do they blow the whistle? 100M?

On the rivet means the riders are sitting right on the forward part of the saddle, where they can putting out a big effort, which on the older models of saddles, and still is on the Brooks, there was a rivet.

I don't know about the second part of your question, but I'm sure someone else will jump in!

I have no answer for the whistle question and will
defer to those that know.

"On the Rivet" refers to the rivet on the nose of a
Brooks Professional saddle. The saying means that the
rider is right on the front, everything is working as should
be, and he is hammering.
Jan was "on the rivet" during the first time trial.
david Millar was on the rivet for the second time trial.

here's a nice pic of "the rivet" on a Honey Pro saddle.

Marty

Thanks guys. Now if someone just knows about the whistle thing, I’ll be able to sleep. :) My son noticed it first, and after he pointed it out, I heard it every time.