FOP, MOP, BOP Definitions

Front of Pack--top third

Middle of Pack- middle third

Back of Pack- last third

I keep it simple

Even simpler:
Don't use the terms.

BtBoP - Behind the Bars of Paul

http://www.cyclingvideosonline.com/

Not that it makes a big distinction, but I also broaden the middle.

For me to say "FOP" it's the front 25%.

For me to say "BOP" it's the back 25%.

The middle is the remaining 50%.

Personally, I use Top 25% as FOP, and last 25% as BOP.  The remaining 50% is MOP.

Really varies how people define this. I really only like to compare myself to others in MY age group. I divide the results into thirds and then see where I stand.

Now having said that, I really do not race very much so its not that big of a deal to me.
I train because it brings me joy. Simple.
 

25/50/25

Yeah, when it comes to race time, Im not really worried about it as Im only worried about how I did in regards to bettering (hopefully) my time from the previous outing.

Since the terms are used so frequently, I was just curious how others defined it. For me, I tend to go with the 25-50-25 breakdown as well.

I've been moved up to MOP. Fantastic!

FOP: AG podium, or top 10%
BOP: last 25%

that's my definition as well.  I'm generally top 25-30% and would never consider myself FOP.

I'm generally happy as long as I'm not DFL... or worse... DNF.

x2

I consider FOP as anyone who has a realistic chance of a podium spot. 

I typically use 20/60/20

I'm going to go against the grain.  Being slightly OCD, and feeling compelled to put everything in equally-sized boxes, I think of it as Front 1/3, Middle 1/3, and Back 1/3.

FOP = anyone at high risk of exploding all over themselves/bystanders during/finishing the race AND have people they'd consider FOP willing to train with them

MOP = not good enough or bad enough for anyone to care other than themselves, and a smattering of polite applause at the finish line

BOP = me and anybody slower, also evidenced by wild cheering at the finish line because the volunteers and staff are really excited you didn't die during the race and they're one person nearer to packing up and going home soon.

FOP = Everyone in front of me.

MOP = Me.

BOP = Everyone behind me.

Related question: how do you classify DFL? Age group or overall? Is the last 1% "close enough" to be DFL or do you have absolutely be DFL?

My thoughts: last in your age group.

For F/M/B-OP, I like broadening MOP. 25/50/25, though sometimes I think FOP should be smaller - somelike like 10/60/30.

Edited by beanmj 2010-12-13 2:00 PM

I think the "DF" part of DFL is pretty clear about what kind of "last"

Otherwise, you're just age-group last.

Hm. Good point.

That's right, you're just age-group last. Not last enough.

Sorry, it's been a long day.

Well after I discount everyone that finishes in front of me, I'm FOP, followed by the next person who is MOP, and then the next person who is BOP, or DFL, whichever one you want to use.

So I guess I am FOP of the BOP.