Track Cycling: Events

There are four general types of events: individual timed, team timed, sprint, and mass start events. They are all different and thus track racing can suit most any rider.

Individual timed events can range in length from 200m to 4 km. The most common events are the 200, 500, 1k, 3k, and 4k. All of the events begin with a standing start except the 200m event in which the rider gets two laps to rev up to top speed, called a flying start. The 1k is easily the most strenuous event in track cycling. It is performed from a standing start and usually lasts a little over a minute, which is intense enough to exhaust your anaerobic system.

If you like time trialing and want a challenge, the team timed events are for you. There are three main distances: the 1k Team Sprint or the Team Pursuits which are 3 or 4k. The Team Sprint consists of teams of three riding three laps on a 300m track. It is timed by the first person to finish the distance, so each rider rides one lap in the lead and then pulls off the front. The Team Pursuit requires teams of three or four to race 3 or 4k against another team started on the opposite side of the track. The teams try to catch each other and if that doesn�t happen, the time stops on the third person to cross the finish line. In this event the riders usually take about a lap pull before swinging high up the banking before diving back down the banking and catching on the back of the pace line.

The most common sprint events are the match sprint and the Keirin. In the match sprint, competitors are first ranked through a 200m flying start TT. Brackets are then filled and the sprint competition begins. This type of race is very tactical. Two riders begin from a standing start, where one is required to lead the first lap. Throughout the event the riders are attentive to each other�s every move. The rider in back has the definite advantage since it is easy to watch the rider in front. In a sense, both riders are trying to trick one another to get the best positioning for the finish. If one rider thinks that they are faster over a short distance, then they will most likely try to let the other rider lead them out, and then try to come around them at the end. On the other hand, the tactics come more into play if both riders think they are equally matched. This event can be very exciting for the spectators if both riders are skilled tacticians.

On the other side of the sprinting spectrum, the Keirin is a fast paced sprinting event. Here, six riders are paced behind a motorcycle for four laps, where the speed is slowly increased to 29mph. Then, the motorcycle pulls off and the two-lap sprint begins. Since the pace is quick in this event, riders must position themselves so that they still have fresh legs for the sprint at the end. This means riders jockey for a position close to the front of the pack but not right behind the motorcycle.

There are many different mass start events but there are two main types. First, a scratch race is very straight forward, where the riders race for a set distance; first across the line wins. On the other hand, the more complicated type is called a points race. Here, riders sprint on certain laps and try to collect the most points. The sprints are usually every five or six laps, where the points are 5-3-2-1 for the first four riders with double points on the last lap.

Finally, the only team mass start event is the Madison. Originating in America, the Madison requires teams of two to race �tag team� in a points racing style. Only one member of each team is in the event at any given time while the other is resting high on the bank. When the racer comes around, the relief man speeds down the banking and gets thrown into the race with a hand-sling. The teammates clasp hands and the racer pulls the relief man forward to get him up to speed. The pace is quick and intense. This race compares to doing intervals for 30 minutes or more. For the spectator, the race looks chaotic at the local level but can also be very graceful at the elite level.

This list is a small sampling of track events, and as you participate more and more you will experience the full spectrum of races.

You can find a list of working tracks in the U.S. at American Track Racing�s website. You will have to take an introductory course before racing to get used to the bike. It is difficult to travel around to different races since there are few tracks that are close to one another, but for your first few seasons the local race series will be sufficient. One might think road fitness translates into track ability, but even if a rider can overcome the difference in tactics, they will still be surprised to realize the intensity of track racing. Although most of the races are short, many track racers have learned to use the banking on the track to their advantage in attacking. Trying to catch someone who has just wound up their attack high on the bank is not a simple feat. Now imagine chasing down many attacks throughout a single race. The sport is more challenging than first meets the eye.

This Article Published 2004-07-26 10:14:21 For more information contact: membership@usacycling.org