44 bobsledding terms defined, including brakeman, kriesel, labyrinth, monobob and push-off, each explained in a single line.
Bobsledding terminology is split between the crew and the track. One half of the words describes who does what inside the sled, the other half names the ice the sled runs on. The words related to bobsledding that a first-time viewer hears in a broadcast are mostly about time: push time, down time, combined time. Words associated with bobsledding that come from the equipment side, runners, cowling and ballast, matter just as much, and every one of them is listed in the bobsledding glossary below.
Must-Know Bobsledding Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Bobsleigh
- Brakeman
- Cowling
- Down time
- G-force
- Heat
- Ice meister
- Kriesel
- Outrun
- Pilot
- Push-off
- Run
- Sled
- Steering ropes
- Track
- Weigh-in
- Blade
- Bump
- Calf guard
- Curve
- Disqualification
- Groove
- Helm
- Loading
- Nose cone
- Paddock
- Pusher
- Runner
- Skid
- Time trial
Bobsledding Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Ballast | Extra weight carried in the sled to reach the allowed maximum for the crew and sled together. |
| Blade | The steel runner on the underside of the sled that touches the ice. Tuned and polished for speed and steering. |
| Bobsleigh | The sport itself, and the sled used in it. Crews of two or four make timed runs down a banked ice track. |
| Brakeman | The crew member at the back who pulls the brake after the finish line. Also a pusher at the start. |
| Bump | A rough spot in the track where the sled jolts or lifts briefly and loses line. |
| Calf guard | Padding worn on the lower legs to protect them against the inside of the sled during a run. |
| Combined time | The sum of a crew's heats. It decides the final standing, often by hundredths of a second. |
| Cowling | The outer shell of the sled. It cuts drag and covers the crew. |
| Curve | A banked turn in the track. Each one has its own number, radius and reputation. |
| Disqualification | Removal from the competition for a rule breach such as an overweight sled or a false start. |
| Down time | The time from the start of the run to the finish line. |
| Driver | Another word for the pilot, the crew member who steers. |
| Four-man | The event with a pilot, two pushers and a brakeman in one sled. |
| G-force | The load pressed on sled and crew in the turns, at its worst in the tightest curves. |
| Groove | The grooved start section that guides the sled straight while the crew is still pushing. |
| Heat | One complete run down the track. Top-level races are usually decided over four heats. |
| Helm | The steering assembly inside the sled that the pilot works to hold a line. |
| Ice meister | The track specialist responsible for the condition of the ice, its temperature and its surface. |
| Kriesel | A curve that turns through a full circle, so the track crosses over or under itself. Hard to hold cleanly. |
| Labyrinth | A run of short turns in quick alternation. It punishes any steering correction with lost speed. |
| Loading | The moment the crew jumps in and settles into position after the push. |
| Luge | The related sliding sport, raced feet first on a small sled without a shell. |
| Monobob | The single-seat event, with one athlete pushing, steering and braking alone. |
| Nose cone | The pointed front of the sled, shaped to cut through the air. |
| Outrun | The straight section after the last curve, running to the finish and the braking stretch. |
| Paddock | The area where crews prepare and adjust their sleds before a run, the sport's pit lane. |
| Pilot | The crew member in front who steers the sled down the track. |
| Push bar | The handle a pusher grips at the start. On the sides for the pushers, retractable once inside. |
| Push-off | The sprinting start, where the crew drives the sled up to speed before jumping in. |
| Pusher | A crew member whose job at the start is raw acceleration. |
| Rollover | A crash in which the sled tips onto its side and slides through the remaining curves. |
| Run | A single descent of the track in competition. Its time counts toward the total. |
| Runner | The polished steel blade under the sled. Runners carry all the friction and all the steering. |
| Skeleton | The related sliding sport, raced head first on a small sled on the same tracks. |
| Skid | A sideways slide out of the clean line through a curve. It scrubs speed and costs time. |
| Sled | The vehicle itself, built around a steel frame with a shell over it. |
| Sliding centre | The venue that houses the track, the start house and the sled storage. |
| Start time | The clocked time over the first stretch, taken as the measure of the push. |
| Steering ropes | The ropes the pilot pulls to angle the front runners. |
| Straightaway | A section of track between curves, where the crew sits still and lets the sled run. |
| Time trial | A format in which each sled runs alone against the clock rather than side by side. |
| Track | The iced chute of straights and banked curves the sleds run down. |
| Two-man | The event with a pilot and a brakeman in one sled. |
| Weigh-in | The check before a race that sled, crew and ballast are inside the weight limit. |
#1 Bobsleigh
A winter sport in which teams of two or four make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled. The team with the lowest combined times wins, demanding both speed and precision from its participants.
#2 Brakeman
The team member positioned at the rear of the bobsleigh, responsible for slowing the sled at the end of the run. The brakeman plays a crucial role in determining the sled’s stopping time and ensuring safety after crossing the finish line.
#3 Cowling
The outer shell or covering of the bobsleigh that enhances its aerodynamics. The cowling is designed to reduce air resistance, thus allowing the sled to move down the track at higher speeds while also protecting the crew inside.
#4 Down time
The time it takes for the bobsleigh to travel from the start of the track to the finish. It is a critical measurement in bobsledding, as races are won and lost by hundredths of a second, emphasizing the need for precision.
#5 G-force
The force of gravity or acceleration exerted on the bobsleigh and its riders, especially noticeable in turns and curves. High G-forces can challenge athletes’ endurance and ability to maintain control while racing at top speeds.
#6 Heat
In bobsledding, a heat refers to one complete run down the track by a sled. Competitions typically consist of multiple heats (often four for top-level races), and the cumulative time from all heats determines the final standings. Each heat must be completed with the fastest possible time to contend for a winning position.
#7 Ice meister
The ice meister is a specialized role in bobsledding responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the ice track. This person ensures that the ice conditions are optimal for speed and safety, managing the ice’s temperature and texture, which are crucial for the performance of the sleds during competition.
#8 Kriesel
A Kriesel is a term used to describe a specific type of curve on a bobsled track characterized by a 360-degree circular or spiral turn. These turns are technically challenging and require precise steering to navigate effectively without losing speed or control.
#9 Outrun
The straightaway part of the bobsled track after the last curve leading to the finish line. It’s where teams maintain their speed and stabilize the sled before the run’s end.
#10 Pilot
The team member who steers the bobsled from the front position. The pilot makes critical decisions and subtle movements to navigate the high-speed twists and turns of the track.
#11 Push-off
The initial phase of a bobsled run where team members push the sled as fast as possible before jumping in. It’s a burst of power and speed critical to a good start.
#12 Run
A single descent down the bobsled track during competition. Each run’s time is combined with others to determine the team’s total score and position in the race standings.
#13 Sled
The bobsled itself, a high-tech vehicle designed for rapid descent on ice tracks. It’s built for aerodynamics and speed, with a sleek design to minimize resistance.
#14 Steering ropes
The ropes or cables used by the pilot to control the bobsled’s front runners and steer the sled. Their precise manipulation is essential for navigating the track effectively.
#15 Track
The specially-designed icy chute that bobsleds navigate during competition. Consisting of a series of straights, curves, and technical challenges, it’s the stage on which bobsled teams showcase their skill.
#16 Weigh-in
Before a competition, all bobsled teams must undergo a weigh-in to ensure their sled and crew meet the regulated weight limits for the event. This includes the combined weight of the sled, athletes, and any additional ballasts used. Adhering to weight regulations is crucial for fairness and safety in the sport.
#17 Blade
The steel runners on the bottom of the bobsled that make contact with the ice. Blades are finely tuned for precision steering and maximum speed down the bobsledding track.
#18 Bump
An area in the bobsled track where the sled may become briefly airborne or jolt harshly. Bumps can disrupt a team’s rhythm and speed, making it a critical challenge for the pilot to navigate.
#19 Calf Guard
A protective piece of equipment worn by bobsledders around their lower legs. Calf guards help protect against injury from the sides of the sled during a run.
#20 Curve
The turns or bends in a bobsled track. Each curve is meticulously designed and can vary in steepness and difficulty, requiring precise navigation by the pilot to maintain optimal speed.
#21 Disqualification
A penalty resulting in a team being removed from competition due to a rule violation. Disqualifications can occur for reasons such as false starts, overweight sleds, or other infractions.
#22 Groove
The initial straight path at the start of the bobsled track, consisting of two narrow channels that help guide the sled as it gains momentum. A team’s push-off must be well-timed and powerful to maximize the sled’s speed in the groove.
#23 Helm
In the context of bobsledding, “helm” typically refers to the steering mechanisms inside the bobsled, used by the pilot to navigate the sled down the track. Effective use of the helm is essential for controlling the sled’s trajectory and speed through the various twists and turns of the course.
#24 Loading
The moment athletes enter the sled and get into their respective positions before the start of a bobsleigh run. Proper loading is crucial for a smooth start and to maintain top speed during the descent.
#25 Nose Cone
The front section of the bobsled, designed to be aerodynamic, which cuts through the air as the sled hurtles down the track. It’s critical for minimizing air resistance and improving overall speed.
#26 Paddock
Refers to the area where teams prepare their sleds before a race. This includes fine-tuning equipment and warming up, akin to a “pit area” in motorsports, where strategy and last-minute adjustments take place.
#27 Pusher
Athletes responsible for generating speed at the start of a bobsleigh run by pushing the sled before hopping in. A strong, explosive pusher can make the difference in a race’s outcome with their initial thrust.
#28 Runner
The steel blades on the bottom of the bobsled that make contact with the ice track. Runners are highly polished to reduce friction and are critical for the sled’s steering and speed.
#29 Skid
A term for when the sled loses its clean line around a curve and slides sideways, which can slow down the sled and cost valuable time. Skidding is something teams try to avoid through precise steering.
#30 Time Trial
A time trial in bobsledding is a competition format where teams take turns racing the clock to complete the course in the shortest time possible. Unlike some sports where competitors perform simultaneously, each sled runs individually against the clock, with the fastest cumulative time determining the winners.
FAQ
What do you call the person who steers a bobsled?
The pilot, also called the driver. The pilot sits in front and works the steering ropes, which move the front runners by very small amounts.
What are bobsled athletes called?
Collectively they are sliders. Inside a crew each seat has its own name: the pilot in front, the pushers in the middle of a four-man sled, and the brakeman at the back.
What is it called when the crew pushes the sled at the start?
The push-off, or push start. The crew sprints the sled through the grooved start section and jumps in, and the clocked start time is the measure of how well it went.
What is a full circle turn on a bobsled track called?
A kriesel. The track turns through roughly 360 degrees and crosses back over itself, which makes it one of the hardest curves to steer cleanly.
What is the difference between a bobsled and a bobsleigh?
There is none. Bobsleigh is the name used internationally and in British English, bobsled is the American form. Both refer to the same sled and the same sport.
They divide into three groups: the crew (pilot, brakeman, pusher), the sled (runners, cowling, nose cone, ballast) and the track (curve, kriesel, labyrinth, outrun, groove). The bobsledding glossary above puts all three groups in one list.
What are some Bobsledding terms for beginners?
“Brakeman,” “Cowling,” and “Push-off” are some Bobsledding terms beginners should start with. Understanding these roles and concepts is key to grasping the basics of the sport.
What are some funny Bobsledding terms?
“Ice meister” and “Kriesel” are some funny Bobsledding terms that might tickle the funny bone, referring to the ice expert and a dizzying curve on the track, respectively.
What is a famous Bobsledding phrase?
“Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time!” is a famous Bobsledding phrase popularized by the movie “Cool Runnings,” capturing the excitement and anticipation before a bobsled run.
