They might not have a wardrobe of Lycra but these racers want to win just as much as their professional counterparts.
A legacy of Britain's summer sporting success is that clubs like these are growing in popularity.
Children as young as two are learning to ride and compete.
It's a far cry from the pressure of the velodrome but even at this age learning to lose is a harsh lesson.
a wardrobe
all the clothes that someone owns
counterparts
people who have the same role or job but in a different organisation or context
a legacy
a situation that has developed as a result of something in the past
a far cry from
very different from
a harsh lesson
something that must be learnt but which seems cruel or unkind
It's a talent that very few possess.
Most who try writing with both hands simultaneously end up with an illegible scrawl.
Not so for 24-year-old Chen Siyuan, an ambidextrous translator from northern China.
Chen's gift is the ability to focus on two separate things at the same time.
She discovered it while struggling to cope with large quantities of English language homework.
simultaneously
at the same time
illegible scrawl
unreadable writing
ambidextrous
of the ability to use both hands with equal skill
gift
unusual natural talent
to cope with
to be able to manage a difficult situation
Meet Monty: a four-legged friend on four wheels.
No, it's not a shaggy dog story, this pooch really is driving the car, after being trained by a charity in New Zealand.
Six months ago he was abandoned by his owners. But the charity hopes that by showing how intelligent dogs can be, more people will adopt them, putting dogs like Monty back in the driving seat.
four-legged friend
an animal with four legs
shaggy dog story
a long joke with an intentionally silly ending
abandoned
left behind
adopt
to look after a child or animal as your own
in the driving seat
in control
The festive season has got underway in Rio de Janeiro in spectacular style.
The world's largest floating Christmas tree has been lit up in the heart of the city.
Over 100,000 people flocked to the lagoon to watch a six-minute fireworks show. It's become one of Rio's main tourist attractions.
This year, the decorations on the 85 metre-high structure have been based on the four seasons.
the festive season
the Christmas and New Year period
lit up
illuminated
flocked to
travelled in great numbers
fireworks show
display of colourful explosives used for entertainment
decorations
things used to make something look more attractive
They are the heroes or villains of countless movies and comics.
But after more than 500 years of history and myth, only a handful of masters hold the secrets of the deadly art of ninjutsu.
Now Japan is looking to its ninjas to boost tourism.
And while their legacy will no doubt live on, it might be less about assassinations and more about entertainment.
villains
the bad people in stories
myth
traditional stories which may or may not be true
deadly
causing death
legacy
something which is left behind after death
assassinations
murders, especially of famous or important people
They are a staple of the Mexican diet.
But now, authorities have decided to use tortillas to raise awareness of missing people.
More than 30 vendors in Chihuahua have started to print information on the flatbread's packaging about people who have disappeared.
The government hopes the campaign, which also includes posters and flyers, will encourage citizens to report missing people as early as possible.
staple
main or basic part of a diet
to raise awareness of
let people know about
packaging
the temporary container for a new product
disappeared
vanished
encourage
make someone likely to do something
Their job is to keep passengers on the Sao Paulo underground safe.
But, once a month, instead of patrolling the platforms, nine security guards treat commuters to a concert.
They use the stations as venues and play an eclectic mix of samba, rock and opera.
The band is so successful that more members of staff want to take their place in the spotlight.
passengers
people travelling by car, bus or train
patrolling
walking around an area to make sure it's safe
commuters
people who travel regularly from home to work and back
an eclectic mix
a wide and varied range
in the spotlight
on the stage or the focus of attention
Fashion good enough to eat.
Models at this Paris show took to the catwalk wearing outfits made almost entirely out of chocolate.
The dresses were inspired by styles from around the world, and included chocolate fudge skirts and intricate golden bodices.
Creating the dresses was a tricky process for the designers, as the combination of human bodies and stage lighting meant that the outfits were likely to melt.
catwalk
narrow walkway which is used to model clothes
inspired
influenced
intricate
complex
tricky
difficult
to melt
to soften or become liquid
They have a tough mission ahead.
Thousands of members of the Saudi security forces have been taking part in a parade ahead of the world's biggest religious gathering.
The Hajj involves over 2 million Muslim pilgrims.
With tensions simmering in the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, the logistics are even more complicated than usual.
mission
special task given to a group or a person
parade
organized public procession
pilgrims
devotees that go on a trip to a shrine or religious place
simmering
getting excited or agitated; boiling
logistics
management of details of an operation
Some might say they are off their trolley.
But to succeed in this race, you need to be in control of your senses as well as your vehicle.
Creativity and showmanship count as much as mechanical expertise in the Red Bull Soapbox Race.
This year's event in Hong Kong featured vehicles decorated as everyday items. The hotpot got applause but it was this skull-shaped entry that won over the judges.
off their trolley
insane
in control of your senses
sane
showmanship
ability to entertain people
decorated
with added elements to make it more attractive
hotpot
cooked dish made up of meat and vegetables
Keeping the tradition afloat... This is swimming samurai-style.
Mutsuo Koga shows off his skills in the Japanese city of Yokohama.
But once he's in the pool, it's sink or swim. The armour weighs 15 kilos.
The feared warriors developed this form of swimming around the 15th century. They had to brave waves and currents.
Nowadays, the most difficult part seems to be getting out of the pool.
afloat
stay above the water
shows off
exhibits
sink or swim
fail or succeed
warriors
fighters, soldiers
to brave
to deal with a difficult situation
Surfing down under as you've never seen it before.
Flyboard, invented by a Frenchman last year, is catching on in Australia.
The board is attached to a jet ski by a hose. The water pressure allows the pilot to hover up to 10 metres in the air.
The dive would make a dolphin jealous.
With his feet, the rider controls direction and with his hands, he keeps the board stable.
down under
reference to Australia or New Zealand
catching on
becoming popular
attached
connected to
to hover
to float in the air
jealous
envious, wanting something or to be like someone
A job that requires a head for heights.
Some bin men in Rio have to abseil down shanty town hills to retrieve what others have left behind.
A harness and ropes are the essential tools for reaching items such as old fridges, food wrappers, guns and even a body.
A big clean-up operation is underway as Brazil prepares to host the World Cup and the Olympics.
a head for heights
to be able to be in a high place without feeling scared or uncomfortable
bin men
people whose job it is to collect rubbish
to abseil
to go down a steep mountain or vertical drop using a rope
harness
support made of straps that are attached to the body
underway
happening
Where to turn to in an economic crisis?
Philosophy. This Italian town set up a trail to encourage people to ponder life.
It includes a chair that utters words of wisdom.
This bar owner in Corigliano d'Otranto serves up drinks and cards with questions like: "Why have I been born?"
The local philosopher's helping hand is very much in demand.
Corigliano's seminars attracted some 1,000 people. The idea might catch on in other towns.
philosophy
rational investigation of reality and existence
ponder
reflect
utters
says
in demand
sought after
catch on
become popular or fashionable
It may look like a tram but, in fact, it's a theatre.
In Mexico City, vehicles normally used for public transport have been getting a makeover.
Mexicans hardly ever scrap their buses. These, donated by Japan over 20 years ago, have been reborn as community centres and shops.
This lorry carries knowledge. It's a mobile library, offering space for children's activities and seminars.
tram
an electric vehicle that runs along a track and is used in cities
makeover
change the appearance of something to make it look better
scrap
get rid of something which is now useless
reborn
converted into something different
lorry
British word for a large vehicle to transport a heavy load; Americans use the word 'truck'
Its name may mean 'peace', but the Bolivian city La Paz is not normally noted for its calm.
That is, apart from on the annual day of the pedestrian.
Vehicles are banned for 24 hours and the usually traffic-choked streets are taken over by cyclists, street performers and people playing sport.
The idea is to raise the environmental awareness of Bolivians.
calm
peacefulness
pedestrian
person who is walking
traffic-choked
full of cars and other vehicles
taken over
assumed control of
awareness
knowledge
The 17th annual Air Guitar World Championships have taken place in Finland.
Eighteen contestants battled in front of an audience of 5,000 for the ultimate prize for imaginary instrumentalists.
In the first round, they have to play a song of their choice; those who make it through to the next stage perform a number chosen by the judges.
This year's winner was Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard from the USA.
air guitar
imaginary guitar played by a person in time to a real song
contestants
people who take part in a competition
instrumentalists
people who play a musical instrument
the first round
the opening stage of a competition
number
song or piece of music
They're not the healthiest specimens of the ten thousand that live in Burma.
But thanks to the opening of this elephant retirement home, these animals do at least have a safe refuge.
The owners have brought in healthy elephants to boost funding for food and medicine through tourism.
They say visitors should see them in their natural habitat and not as creatures of entertainment.
specimens
typical examples
retirement home
place where old people go to live
refuge
a sheltered or safe place
to boost
to improve or increase
natural habitat
place where an animal lives in the wild
It's been described as a sorrow you can dance to. But now tango is being used as medical therapy.
Doctors in Argentina have found it helpful as a rehabilitation technique for patients getting over heart surgery or coronary problems.
According to the stats, only 15% of patients turn up for traditional recovery programmes.
Doctors hope free tango lessons will be more attractive than a session on a treadmill.
sorrow
sadness
rehabilitation
process of recovery
coronary
relating to the veins around the heart
stats
short form of 'statistics'
treadmill
machine in a gym which people run or walk on to exercise
The clean-up operation begins.
Millions of pellets which are used to make plastic have been washed up on Hong Kong's beaches, following the worst typhoon in 13 years.
Environmentalists are concerned that the pellets will absorb dangerous toxins, which could enter the food chain.
Several hundred volunteers turned up to try and remove the translucent pellets, but the beaches could still take months to clean.
clean-up operation
a project to tidy up an area
washed up
appeared on a beach
toxins
dangerous chemicals
food chain
a group of animals and plants that feed off one another
translucent
semi-transparent
Supporting women for six centuries.
These bras, discovered in a medieval castle in Austria, reveal that the undergarment may have been worn as far back as the 15th century.
Apart from the wear and tear, they look remarkably similar to their modern day versions.
They were spotted almost by accident when the floorboards of the castle were removed during renovation.
bras
pieces of underwear used to support women's breasts
undergarment
clothing people use underneath their outer layer
wear and tear
damage caused by using something continuously
remarkably
worthy of notice
spotted
seen or observed suddenly
London is gearing up for the Olympics.
And this includes many people's typical ride around the city.
Here the bus is at work. And this is the bus working out...
Czech artist David Cerny is The London Booster's creator.
The sturdy double-decker seems to be doing well for a 1957 model.
This is a routine exercise for athletes but push-ups can be exhausting. Especially for a 6-tonne vehicle.
gearing up for
preparing for
ride
means of transport
working out
performing strenuous physical exercise
double-decker
two-level bus
exhausting
very tiring
Is this a pool party for children or perhaps your eyes are deceiving you?
Twenty South Korean artists spent months working on this interactive 3D art exhibition.
The 83 oil paintings are now on display in Hangzhou, China.
Thousands have been flocking to the show, in which some of the works extend beyond their frames.
Visitors are keen to impress their friends with a striking photo.
deceiving
fooling or tricking someone
interactive
something you can take part in
on display
on show
flocking to
go in large numbers to see something
frames
border around a picture or painting
Is this what springs to mind when you think of North Korea?
It's an unorthodox cultural celebration for a country better known for parading its missile might.
These images from North Korean TV suggest Kim Jong-un may want to carve out a different image to his predecessors.
They've eased restrictions on some Western brands and these Disney characters.
It comes as officials pay their respects to the country's former leaders.
springs to mind
is your immediate thought
unorthodox
unusual
might
power or strength
eased
relaxed (a rule or law)
pay their respects
honour someone or something (e.g. the dead)
No new sanctuary for these whales.
In spite of pressure from conservation groups, there won't be further protection in the South Atlantic.
The bid for its creation has been defeated at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Panama.
It's been a recurring issue at the annual gathering along with Japan's request for a commercial hunting quota.
Indigenous communities in the Arctic also want more subsistence hunting permits.
sanctuary
safe place
in spite of
without regard to someone or something
bid
proposal
recurring
something that shows up repeatedly
subsistence
essential for survival
A legacy of Britain's summer sporting success is that clubs like these are growing in popularity.
Children as young as two are learning to ride and compete.
It's a far cry from the pressure of the velodrome but even at this age learning to lose is a harsh lesson.
a wardrobe
all the clothes that someone owns
counterparts
people who have the same role or job but in a different organisation or context
a legacy
a situation that has developed as a result of something in the past
a far cry from
very different from
a harsh lesson
something that must be learnt but which seems cruel or unkind
It's a talent that very few possess.
Most who try writing with both hands simultaneously end up with an illegible scrawl.
Not so for 24-year-old Chen Siyuan, an ambidextrous translator from northern China.
Chen's gift is the ability to focus on two separate things at the same time.
She discovered it while struggling to cope with large quantities of English language homework.
simultaneously
at the same time
illegible scrawl
unreadable writing
ambidextrous
of the ability to use both hands with equal skill
gift
unusual natural talent
to cope with
to be able to manage a difficult situation
Meet Monty: a four-legged friend on four wheels.
No, it's not a shaggy dog story, this pooch really is driving the car, after being trained by a charity in New Zealand.
Six months ago he was abandoned by his owners. But the charity hopes that by showing how intelligent dogs can be, more people will adopt them, putting dogs like Monty back in the driving seat.
four-legged friend
an animal with four legs
shaggy dog story
a long joke with an intentionally silly ending
abandoned
left behind
adopt
to look after a child or animal as your own
in the driving seat
in control
The festive season has got underway in Rio de Janeiro in spectacular style.
The world's largest floating Christmas tree has been lit up in the heart of the city.
Over 100,000 people flocked to the lagoon to watch a six-minute fireworks show. It's become one of Rio's main tourist attractions.
This year, the decorations on the 85 metre-high structure have been based on the four seasons.
the festive season
the Christmas and New Year period
lit up
illuminated
flocked to
travelled in great numbers
fireworks show
display of colourful explosives used for entertainment
decorations
things used to make something look more attractive
They are the heroes or villains of countless movies and comics.
But after more than 500 years of history and myth, only a handful of masters hold the secrets of the deadly art of ninjutsu.
Now Japan is looking to its ninjas to boost tourism.
And while their legacy will no doubt live on, it might be less about assassinations and more about entertainment.
villains
the bad people in stories
myth
traditional stories which may or may not be true
deadly
causing death
legacy
something which is left behind after death
assassinations
murders, especially of famous or important people
They are a staple of the Mexican diet.
But now, authorities have decided to use tortillas to raise awareness of missing people.
More than 30 vendors in Chihuahua have started to print information on the flatbread's packaging about people who have disappeared.
The government hopes the campaign, which also includes posters and flyers, will encourage citizens to report missing people as early as possible.
staple
main or basic part of a diet
to raise awareness of
let people know about
packaging
the temporary container for a new product
disappeared
vanished
encourage
make someone likely to do something
Their job is to keep passengers on the Sao Paulo underground safe.
But, once a month, instead of patrolling the platforms, nine security guards treat commuters to a concert.
They use the stations as venues and play an eclectic mix of samba, rock and opera.
The band is so successful that more members of staff want to take their place in the spotlight.
passengers
people travelling by car, bus or train
patrolling
walking around an area to make sure it's safe
commuters
people who travel regularly from home to work and back
an eclectic mix
a wide and varied range
in the spotlight
on the stage or the focus of attention
Fashion good enough to eat.
Models at this Paris show took to the catwalk wearing outfits made almost entirely out of chocolate.
The dresses were inspired by styles from around the world, and included chocolate fudge skirts and intricate golden bodices.
Creating the dresses was a tricky process for the designers, as the combination of human bodies and stage lighting meant that the outfits were likely to melt.
catwalk
narrow walkway which is used to model clothes
inspired
influenced
intricate
complex
tricky
difficult
to melt
to soften or become liquid
They have a tough mission ahead.
Thousands of members of the Saudi security forces have been taking part in a parade ahead of the world's biggest religious gathering.
The Hajj involves over 2 million Muslim pilgrims.
With tensions simmering in the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, the logistics are even more complicated than usual.
mission
special task given to a group or a person
parade
organized public procession
pilgrims
devotees that go on a trip to a shrine or religious place
simmering
getting excited or agitated; boiling
logistics
management of details of an operation
Some might say they are off their trolley.
But to succeed in this race, you need to be in control of your senses as well as your vehicle.
Creativity and showmanship count as much as mechanical expertise in the Red Bull Soapbox Race.
This year's event in Hong Kong featured vehicles decorated as everyday items. The hotpot got applause but it was this skull-shaped entry that won over the judges.
off their trolley
insane
in control of your senses
sane
showmanship
ability to entertain people
decorated
with added elements to make it more attractive
hotpot
cooked dish made up of meat and vegetables
Keeping the tradition afloat... This is swimming samurai-style.
Mutsuo Koga shows off his skills in the Japanese city of Yokohama.
But once he's in the pool, it's sink or swim. The armour weighs 15 kilos.
The feared warriors developed this form of swimming around the 15th century. They had to brave waves and currents.
Nowadays, the most difficult part seems to be getting out of the pool.
afloat
stay above the water
shows off
exhibits
sink or swim
fail or succeed
warriors
fighters, soldiers
to brave
to deal with a difficult situation
Surfing down under as you've never seen it before.
Flyboard, invented by a Frenchman last year, is catching on in Australia.
The board is attached to a jet ski by a hose. The water pressure allows the pilot to hover up to 10 metres in the air.
The dive would make a dolphin jealous.
With his feet, the rider controls direction and with his hands, he keeps the board stable.
down under
reference to Australia or New Zealand
catching on
becoming popular
attached
connected to
to hover
to float in the air
jealous
envious, wanting something or to be like someone
A job that requires a head for heights.
Some bin men in Rio have to abseil down shanty town hills to retrieve what others have left behind.
A harness and ropes are the essential tools for reaching items such as old fridges, food wrappers, guns and even a body.
A big clean-up operation is underway as Brazil prepares to host the World Cup and the Olympics.
a head for heights
to be able to be in a high place without feeling scared or uncomfortable
bin men
people whose job it is to collect rubbish
to abseil
to go down a steep mountain or vertical drop using a rope
harness
support made of straps that are attached to the body
underway
happening
Where to turn to in an economic crisis?
Philosophy. This Italian town set up a trail to encourage people to ponder life.
It includes a chair that utters words of wisdom.
This bar owner in Corigliano d'Otranto serves up drinks and cards with questions like: "Why have I been born?"
The local philosopher's helping hand is very much in demand.
Corigliano's seminars attracted some 1,000 people. The idea might catch on in other towns.
philosophy
rational investigation of reality and existence
ponder
reflect
utters
says
in demand
sought after
catch on
become popular or fashionable
It may look like a tram but, in fact, it's a theatre.
In Mexico City, vehicles normally used for public transport have been getting a makeover.
Mexicans hardly ever scrap their buses. These, donated by Japan over 20 years ago, have been reborn as community centres and shops.
This lorry carries knowledge. It's a mobile library, offering space for children's activities and seminars.
tram
an electric vehicle that runs along a track and is used in cities
makeover
change the appearance of something to make it look better
scrap
get rid of something which is now useless
reborn
converted into something different
lorry
British word for a large vehicle to transport a heavy load; Americans use the word 'truck'
Its name may mean 'peace', but the Bolivian city La Paz is not normally noted for its calm.
That is, apart from on the annual day of the pedestrian.
Vehicles are banned for 24 hours and the usually traffic-choked streets are taken over by cyclists, street performers and people playing sport.
The idea is to raise the environmental awareness of Bolivians.
calm
peacefulness
pedestrian
person who is walking
traffic-choked
full of cars and other vehicles
taken over
assumed control of
awareness
knowledge
The 17th annual Air Guitar World Championships have taken place in Finland.
Eighteen contestants battled in front of an audience of 5,000 for the ultimate prize for imaginary instrumentalists.
In the first round, they have to play a song of their choice; those who make it through to the next stage perform a number chosen by the judges.
This year's winner was Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard from the USA.
air guitar
imaginary guitar played by a person in time to a real song
contestants
people who take part in a competition
instrumentalists
people who play a musical instrument
the first round
the opening stage of a competition
number
song or piece of music
They're not the healthiest specimens of the ten thousand that live in Burma.
But thanks to the opening of this elephant retirement home, these animals do at least have a safe refuge.
The owners have brought in healthy elephants to boost funding for food and medicine through tourism.
They say visitors should see them in their natural habitat and not as creatures of entertainment.
specimens
typical examples
retirement home
place where old people go to live
refuge
a sheltered or safe place
to boost
to improve or increase
natural habitat
place where an animal lives in the wild
It's been described as a sorrow you can dance to. But now tango is being used as medical therapy.
Doctors in Argentina have found it helpful as a rehabilitation technique for patients getting over heart surgery or coronary problems.
According to the stats, only 15% of patients turn up for traditional recovery programmes.
Doctors hope free tango lessons will be more attractive than a session on a treadmill.
sorrow
sadness
rehabilitation
process of recovery
coronary
relating to the veins around the heart
stats
short form of 'statistics'
treadmill
machine in a gym which people run or walk on to exercise
The clean-up operation begins.
Millions of pellets which are used to make plastic have been washed up on Hong Kong's beaches, following the worst typhoon in 13 years.
Environmentalists are concerned that the pellets will absorb dangerous toxins, which could enter the food chain.
Several hundred volunteers turned up to try and remove the translucent pellets, but the beaches could still take months to clean.
clean-up operation
a project to tidy up an area
washed up
appeared on a beach
toxins
dangerous chemicals
food chain
a group of animals and plants that feed off one another
translucent
semi-transparent
Supporting women for six centuries.
These bras, discovered in a medieval castle in Austria, reveal that the undergarment may have been worn as far back as the 15th century.
Apart from the wear and tear, they look remarkably similar to their modern day versions.
They were spotted almost by accident when the floorboards of the castle were removed during renovation.
bras
pieces of underwear used to support women's breasts
undergarment
clothing people use underneath their outer layer
wear and tear
damage caused by using something continuously
remarkably
worthy of notice
spotted
seen or observed suddenly
London is gearing up for the Olympics.
And this includes many people's typical ride around the city.
Here the bus is at work. And this is the bus working out...
Czech artist David Cerny is The London Booster's creator.
The sturdy double-decker seems to be doing well for a 1957 model.
This is a routine exercise for athletes but push-ups can be exhausting. Especially for a 6-tonne vehicle.
gearing up for
preparing for
ride
means of transport
working out
performing strenuous physical exercise
double-decker
two-level bus
exhausting
very tiring
Is this a pool party for children or perhaps your eyes are deceiving you?
Twenty South Korean artists spent months working on this interactive 3D art exhibition.
The 83 oil paintings are now on display in Hangzhou, China.
Thousands have been flocking to the show, in which some of the works extend beyond their frames.
Visitors are keen to impress their friends with a striking photo.
deceiving
fooling or tricking someone
interactive
something you can take part in
on display
on show
flocking to
go in large numbers to see something
frames
border around a picture or painting
Is this what springs to mind when you think of North Korea?
It's an unorthodox cultural celebration for a country better known for parading its missile might.
These images from North Korean TV suggest Kim Jong-un may want to carve out a different image to his predecessors.
They've eased restrictions on some Western brands and these Disney characters.
It comes as officials pay their respects to the country's former leaders.
springs to mind
is your immediate thought
unorthodox
unusual
might
power or strength
eased
relaxed (a rule or law)
pay their respects
honour someone or something (e.g. the dead)
No new sanctuary for these whales.
In spite of pressure from conservation groups, there won't be further protection in the South Atlantic.
The bid for its creation has been defeated at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Panama.
It's been a recurring issue at the annual gathering along with Japan's request for a commercial hunting quota.
Indigenous communities in the Arctic also want more subsistence hunting permits.
sanctuary
safe place
in spite of
without regard to someone or something
bid
proposal
recurring
something that shows up repeatedly
subsistence
essential for survival