30 Must-Know Bobsledding Terms, Phrases and Slang (2024)

Strap in, thrill-seekers! You’re about to shoot down the icy chute of bobsledding lingo!

Hold on tight as we slingshot you through 30 sizzling terms that’ll transform you from a sideline spectator to a trackside expert.

Ready to talk like a true bobsled champion?

Let’s rocket into the jargon!

Must-Know Bobsledding Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Bobsleigh
2. Brakeman
3. Cowling
4. Down time
5. G-force
6. Heat
7. Ice meister
8. Kriesel
9. Outrun
10. Pilot
11. Push-off
12. Run
13. Sled
14. Steering ropes
15. Track
16. Weigh-in
17. Blade
18. Bump
19. Calf guard
20. Curve
21. Disqualification
22. Groove
23. Helm
24. Loading
25. Nose cone
26. Paddock
27. Pusher
28. Runner
29. Skid
30. Time trial

#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.

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