Where did the term "scrubber" come from in cycling?

Slideshowbob

Ok all ye cycling afficionados:

Scrubber is used in Irish cycling circles to describe someone in a race who does not do their fair share of pacemaking in a group in a race.

But does anyone know where the term comes from?

Genuine answers appreciated!

Quigs Snr

Probably some sort of Broomwagon reference i.e. goes around at the back of the race / group.

thebouldwhacker

Slideshowbob wrote: »

Genuine answers appreciated!

I'll be disappointing you so.... Any time I hear the term this is what I think of, 40 seconds in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faYSY7hWbRY

Esroh

Its also used in Horse Racing
Slow Horse = Scrubber
because if you the jockey on a horse who is struggling to go the pace you looking like you are scrubbing the horses neck when trying to push the horse along.

Hermy

@thebouldwhacker
Me too.:D

mathepac

Originally an English (?) derogatory term for a coarse, sexually amenable or promiscuous woman, or a woman of loose morals, in common enough use around Leinster in its original context. In latter times it's used as a generalised derogatory term for anything or anyone of low value, limited ability or of no importance (footballer, greyhound, golfer, race-horse, driver, etc.)

Pigeon Reaper

it's an old nautical term. scrubbers were crew members who were so bad they couldn't be relied upon to do anything but scrub the decks where they could be closely supervised. The topmen where trusted to go up the to the top gallants on a sailing ship to do a very difficult and dangerous job. They got perks as a result for doing more than the normal work. Hence calling someone you're topman is a complement and a scrubber is an insult. The terms have stuck around even after sailing ships have gone.

mockler007

in tallaght we use it for girls who clean;)

dave2pvd

'A charwoman's daughter'.

First thought I had was of 'The Van' with the circling cyclists while the lads are scrubbing the van clean.