The word is French for 'servant', which undersells the role. A good domestique is the engine room of a professional cycling team. They ride on the front in wind and rain, burn themselves out to control the pace on climbs, and give up their own wheel or bike if the leader punctures. It is one of the most respected roles in professional cycling precisely because of the selflessness involved. In group rides, you see the same dynamic: the stronger riders who sit on the front and set a steady pace for the group are doing domestique work, whether they know it or not. The best domestiques — riders like Tim Declercq or Wout Poels — are quietly beloved by the peloton.