SCRATCH RACE Meaning and
Definition
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A scratch race is a competitive event in sports, particularly in cycling, speed skating, or running, where participants start the race at the same time and cover a specified distance or number of laps. This type of race is also known as a mass start race. Unlike handicapped or staggered races, which involve predetermined time allowances based on an individual's ability, a scratch race levels the playing field by giving all competitors an equal starting point.
In a scratch race, participants jockey for position right from the start, aiming to cross the finish line ahead of their opponents to claim victory. This format tests the raw speed, endurance, and strategic skills of the athletes, as they have to devise their own tactics to outpace their rivals. Tactics in a scratch race may include sprinting to gain an early advantage, conserving energy until the final lap, or making a decisive breakaway during the race.
Due to its simplicity and straightforward nature, the scratch race is often regarded as a pure test of an athlete's capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental fortitude, and strategic thinking. Scratch races are commonly held in various track and field events, velodromes, and skating rinks, attracting both amateur and professional athletes who thrive on the adrenaline and competitive spirit that this format offers.
Common Misspellings for SCRATCH RACE
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Etymology of SCRATCH RACE
The word "scratch" in the context of a "scratch race" comes from the use of the word in sporting events, particularly in horse racing.
In horse racing, a "scratch" refers to the removal of a horse from a race before it starts. This can happen due to various reasons such as injuries, illness, or the owner's decision to withdraw the horse. In such cases, the horse is "scratched" from the race.
The term "scratch race" was then adopted in other sports like cycling and running. In these sports, a scratch race is a competition in which all participants start from the same point or "scratch line" without any handicaps or time advantages. It is a race from a level playing field, challenging the athletes to rely solely on their skills and abilities. The term "scratch race" has retained its use as a racing term beyond the world of horses.
Similar spelling words for SCRATCH RACE
- scratcher,
- scratch paper,
- scratch out,
- scratchiness,
- scratch pad,
- scratch awl,
- scratching,
- scratch up,
- scratchpad,
- scratch along,
- scratch test,
- scratch sheet,
- scratched.
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