Track cycling takes place at the velodrome – a purpose-built 250-metre banked oval circuit.
The discipline includes speed and resistance races in individual and team competitions. In order to achieve the best performance, riders must combine strength, speed and tactics.
Light and sturdy, the bikes are designed to reach high speeds. They have only one gear and no brakes so to avoid sudden stoppages on the track.
Teammates take it in turns to lead the team in a line – the leader faces greater air resistance; those who trail behind are drafted to gain speed.
Individuals and teams must simply set the fastest time around the course.
There are five formats: Team sprint, sprint, keirin, team pursuit, omnium.
When: Thursday August 11 to Tuesday August 16 Competition: 10 classes; five for men, five for women.
Track cycling in numbers
250 |
Metre-long course |
4 |
Riders in teams |
10 |
Categories |
