Faceplant occurs when the rider falls forward off of the bike or onto the ground and smacks his or her face. It is an enormous blunder common to mountain biking, cyclocross, or transition during triathlon.
Faceplants are frequently caused by surprise obstacles, speeding through, or slipping. They are embarrassing and can cause injury to the face, teeth, or head. Protective equipment such as helmets, glasses, and gloves reduce the likelihood of injury. To prevent face-planting athletes, they must learn bike control, watch what is ahead, and gradually increase the difficulty.
