Competitions on the track are an important part of cycling. But what is behind names like Madison, Scratch, Omnium & Co? The disciplines at a glance:
Is considered the supreme discipline in track cycling: the team pursuit, here with the German women’s foursome, which is a hot candidate for gold. AFP via Getty Images
Sprint
The sprint is the oldest discipline in track cycling and has been an integral part of the Olympic program since it was first held in modern times in 1896, with one exception (1912). A maximum of four drivers compete against each other, in knockout mode there are always only two. The sprint takes two or three laps (depending on the length of the track). In the qualifying races, time is of the essence, only the last 200 meters are timed (“flying start”). In knockout mode, the rider who crosses the finish line first wins, time is irrelevant. The “best-of-three” mode is used here, since the starting order plays a decisive role. The lead position in the first run will be drawn; the winner must take the lead at walking pace for the first half lap. In the second run, the line-up is then reversed. If there is a tie after two races, there will be a decider.
The outstanding feature of the sprint races are the “stand tests” in which the drivers come to a virtual standstill. The purpose of this is to get into the tactically more advantageous rear position because of the slipstream. After the standing attempts in the past made the races longer, the rules were tightened up, only two standing attempts over a maximum of 30 seconds are allowed.
Teamsprint
In the team sprint, three drivers compete as a team. Unlike the sprint, the two teams start on opposite straights. The leader in each lap is eliminated, the team whose last driver crosses the finish line first wins. As with the individual sprint, the team sprint starts with a qualification, after which it continues in knockout mode.
one pursuit
In the individual pursuit, men complete 4,000 meters and women 3,000 meters. The start is on the opposite straight. The aim is to catch up with the opponent. Most of the time this is not the case, the driver who completes the distance the fastest wins. First, the four fastest drivers are determined in a qualification, the two best places contest the final, the next fastest the race for bronze.
team pursuit
In the team pursuit, a team consists of four riders, men and women complete 4000 meters each. The start is on the opposite straight. Again, the goal is to catch up with the opponent. If this does not succeed, time will decide the victory, with the third driver being counted. As with the individual pursuit, there is a qualification first, and the two fastest teams compete in the final.
Keirin
In the keirin, a maximum of nine riders, in UCI competitions six riders, compete against each other on a distance over 1500 meters to 2000 meters. First, a pacemaker motorcycle called a “Derny” accelerates the field to up to 50 kilometers per hour, behind which position battles can already take place. When the derny veers off, the final fight is on, whoever crosses the finish line first wins.
The outstanding feature of the keirin – in contrast to all other track competitions – is that physical exertion is allowed. In the country of origin, Japan, the drivers therefore also wear special protective equipment. The UCI applies stricter rules, such as keeping your hands on the handlebars at all times. However, falls are common in the keirin, also known as the “combat sprint”. Keirin is probably the most spectacular, but also one of the most dangerous disciplines on the oval.
Madison
Two-man team driving, also called Madison, also has a certain risk potential – the name comes from Madison Square Garden in New York, where this discipline took place for the first time. Two riders form a team, with only one team member on the track at a time. The distance is 50 (men) or 30 (women) kilometers. The aim is to score as many points as possible as a team. These are given at predetermined times. At the World Cup, points can be won after every ten rounds (5-4-3-2-1), the last score counts double. Overlapping also earns points. The team that collects the most points wins.
Characteristic of Madison is the “slingshot grip” between the two drivers. The two team members take turns on the track, when they do so is up to them. The team member on the track tries to give the driver taking over from him as high a speed as possible by pulling with his hands. However, this “skidding” leads to potentially dangerous situations, which is why falls are not uncommon in the Madison either.
points race
The points race has almost the same rules as the two-man team race, but each driver starts individually, there are no teams. After the mass start, points are awarded in a similar way to Madison, but the distances are shorter. 40 kilometers for men and 26 kilometers for women.
time trial
The time trial is the simplest discipline in track cycling according to the rules. Every participant starts for themselves, so tactics don’t matter. The start is at certain time intervals, the men complete 1000 meters, women 500 meters. Whoever sets the fastest time wins. From 2024, the distance will also be one kilometer for women.
Scratch
Scratch is a mass start, and whoever crosses the finish line first after a certain distance wins. Men drive 15, women currently 10 kilometers. Starting in 2025, a uniform distance of 10 kilometers will be started.
Of all things
Omnium is not an individual race, but an eventing competition made up of the disciplines scratch, speed race, elimination and points race. Points are awarded for first place, and whoever has collected the most points at the end is the winner. If there is a tie, the finish in the last sprint of the final points race decides.
2023-08-05 22:57:26
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