Crossword Genius

Cyclist, say, cycling before and behind (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

derriere

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'behind' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cyclist say cycling before' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'before' could be 'ere' (usually literary) and 'ere' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for derriere that I've seen before include "One's backside in France" , "Seat" , "A French backside or buttocks" , "Fourteen down's [FRENCHMAN] behind" , "(French?) behind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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