 There
are many events that take place on the track. While this doesn't
cover the complete variation of track disciplines, most are covered
and can be broadly classified into "sprint" and "endurance"
events. For the newcomer to the sport, or even experienced observers,
certain track cycling events can be a complete mystery. The following
is a potted description of the races. Sprint
events
Match
Sprint (Men/Women)
Traditionally held over 1000m, this event captures the essence
of track cycling, although it is the most mysterious. Although
it is normally a one-on-one event, earlier rounds can feature
three or more cyclists on the track at the same time. One rider
is designated to lead for the first lap (usually by a coin toss),
and can not relinquish it unless those behind take it from him/her.
The competitors typically eye each other off for the first 6-700
metres, trying to maneuver each other into an unfavourable position,
before launching an
explosive sprint for the last 200 metres, which is the only part
of the event that is timed. The first across the line wins the
race. 
Tactics
are the key to this race, and many people wonder why it is so
slow for the first two laps. The main reason is that unless you
can surprise your opponent early, you will waste too much precious
energy in starting your sprint from lap one. If the other guy
is on your wheel, it's all over.
An
important rule is that of 'possession' underneath the sprinter's
line, a line marked 80 cm from the pole line near the base of
the track. A rider who positions themselves below this line in
the final 200 metres is not allowed to be forced out by another
rider e.g. pushing in from the inside. This is one of the most
often broken rules causing reversals in sprint results.
 1,000
m Time Trial (Men)
Probably
the most painful of track disciplines, the "kilo" as
it is known commonly is raced as a time trial over 1000 metres.
To do well in this event you have to have an explosive start,
good top speed, and endurance to carry you through the last few
hundred metres where the lactic acid buildup in your legs becomes
almost intolerable.
The
current record is just over a minute, held by Arnaud Tournant
of France. In this event, two riders often start on opposite sides
of the track although it is essentially an individual event.
500
m Time Trial (Women)
Held
over half the distance of the men, the women's 500m time trial
requires explosiveness as well as good top speed. Typically, the
fastest 200m rider is also the best over 500, although this is
not always the case. It is different to the men's race with respect
to the endurance required.
 Olympic
Sprint (Men)
A
three man time trial held over three laps of the velodrome, with
teams starting on opposite sides of the track. After the end of
each lap, the leading rider pulls off completely, leaving the
next to fight the wind. Therefore, the first rider has to do one
laps, the second, two laps, and the last rider three laps. Hence,
rider number three typically has the best endurance: A good kilometre
time trial rider e.g. Arnaud Tournant or Shane Kelly is chosen
for this position.
2000
m Keirin (Men)
The
keirin is a motorpaced event that is very popular in Japan where
it originated. In that country, huge amounts of money are bet
on races and professional keirin riders command impressive salaries.
It
is similar to the match sprint, but features 6-8 riders on the
track. A derny motorbike paces the riders from 25 km/h up to 45
km/h for the first few laps. During this time, riders jostle each
other for the best position and this is often the roughest part
of the event. With two and a half laps to go, the derny bike pulls
off and the sprint is on. Team tactics are important here, as
the leadout is often quite long. If one team can get two of their
riders in the final, then they are at a distinct advantage.
Endurance
events
Individual
Pursuit (Men/women)
Held
over 4000 metres for elite men and 3000 metres for elite women
(shorter for masters riders), this is considered an "endurance"
track event, although the speeds are still extremely high. Two
riders start on opposite sides of the track and try to set the
fastest time over the allotted distance. Normally, a qualifying
time trial is ridden that determines who is eligible for the semi
finals and finals. The fastest ride is often produced here, as
in the finals, the only important criterion is to beat your opponent.
If one rider catches the other, i.e. puts half a lap into them,
then the race is over.
An
explosive start is not critical (but it's handy to have), however
the ability to ride at a consistently high speed is far more important.
Many riders who go out too hard can look to be well up on their
opponent, only to fade in the last 1000 metres. This has typically
the greatest "cross-over" to the road. i.e. good pursuiters
make good road riders and vice versa. Stuart O'Grady, Vjatcheslav
Ekimov, and Chris Boardman are a few examples of top pursuiters
who have had successful road careers.
 4000
m Team Pursuit (Men)
This
event is raced by the men only, and held over 4000 m. Faster than
the individual pursuit, although it is still an endurance event,
the team pursuit is about clockwork precision as well as high
speed. Two four man teams start on opposite sides of the track
and try to set the fastest time over the distance as with the
individual pursuit. The time taken is on the third rider to cross
the line.
Riders
must follow each other at a few cm difference to gain the maximum
drafting effect from the rider in front. Following a wheel closely
is a vital skill, but stuff-ups still happen, as the Ukrainian
team showed at the 1997 Worlds in Perth. A wheel touch in the
final brought down the whole team down and cost them the event.
Turns
of pace are often half a lap, although the stronger riders can
do full lap turns. The world record for this event was set by
Germany in 2000 and is over 60 km/h!
60
km Madison (Men)
This
race is named after Madison Square Garden in New York where the
event was first held (also called "Americaine" in French.
Two man teams contest the event, which is typically 50-60 kilometres.
After a mass start where all riders are on the track, only one
rider from each team is allowed in the race at a given time, meaning
that teams must take it in turn each lap (or more) to have a rider
in the race. Changeovers are quite dangerous, but impressive to
watch when done well - one rider circles around waiting for his
teammate, who joins hands and imparts his momentum to the slower
rider.
To
win the madison, the team must score points by sprinting every
20 laps for bonuses (5, 3, 2, 1 points). The last lap counts for
double points, but the winner of this does not necessarily win
the event. Also, if a team can gain a lap on the field, then they
are in the leading position of the race no matter how many points
they have.
Points
Race (Men/women)
This
is a solo event, scored similarly to the madison and raced by
both men and women. Again, a rider scores points in intermediate
bonus sprints every 10th lap (5, 3, 2, 1) with double points awarded
on the last lap. If a rider can lap the field, then they win the
race.
The
Hour Record (Men/women)
 One
track event stands outside and above typical track events: the
hour record. I know about this one because I'm happy to say I
know Chris Boardman. The Hour Record is a simple test of ability
to cover distance in 60 minutes and both UCI and Absolute records
are currently held by Chris Boardman. In 1996, Chris rode 56.375
kilometres around Manchester velodrome using the now outlawed
"superman position". In October 2000, he rode 49.441
kilometres on a UCI standardised bike: a steel tubed triangular
frame with spoked wheels and no aero helmet and then retired!!!
Traditionally,
only great riders at the peak of their careers attempted the hour
record. Eddy Merckx' 1972 record stood for 12 years until being
broken in 1984 by Francesco Moser: both were international superstars
at the height of their powers. This all changed in 1993 when Graeme
Obree, an unemployed Scotsmam riding a home-made bike in a bizarre,
folded-up riding position added 400m to Moser's record. Over the
next three years the record fell six times. Chris's record was
set in the radical, highly aerodynamic 'Superman' position, invented
by Obree when his tucked position was banned.
Both
women's hour records are held by French great, Jeannie Longo,
who rode 48.159 kilometres in 1996 (Absolute Record) and 44.767
kilometres in 2000. |
