der Spitzenreiter
Translation
leader, front-runner, top performer, pacesetter
Examples
Die Mannschaft ist der Spitzenreiter in der Liga.
The team is the leader in the league.
Er ist ein Spitzenreiter auf seinem Gebiet.
He is a leader in his field.
Grammar Patterns
to be the leader ((in sth.)) The team is the leader in the league.
Similar Words
Anführer (leader), Führender (the one leading), Tabellenführer (league leader)
Etymology
From 'Spitze' (top, peak) + 'Reiter' (rider). Literally means 'top rider'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a rider ('Reiter') at the peak ('Spitze') of a race, leading everyone else.