Track races are held on a velodrome. A velodrome has a circuit track with very steeply banked sides which enables the riders to travel at high speeds. It is a great spectator sport as the riders are in view 100% of the time. Track riding requires huge skill, stamina, concentration and strength. It is also a very strategic type of racing. One move could mean the difference between winning and crashing-out. The type of bicycle used is a single gear, racing bike with no brakes.
There are many types of track events including:
Madison
This is highly skilled and potentially hazardous form of relay race. One rider in the fray and the other resting, waiting for the tag. It was a style of racing conceived at Madison Square Garden, hence its name. Madison events are a massed-start points race.
Points Race
This is an endurance event with riders starting simultaneously in groups. Riders will sprint against each other at certain times in the race, usually during every 10 laps. Points are awarded according to the position the rider after the sprint. After the race has been completed the person with most number of points is the winner.
Olympic Sprint
Three riders from two teams race against each other. Each team starts from different ends of the track. Each team member completes one lap of the track. Once one lap is completed he/she retires and the next team member picks up on the next lap until all three riders have completed a single lap. The team that completes the three laps in the least amount of time is the winner.
There are many types of track events including:
Madison
This is highly skilled and potentially hazardous form of relay race. One rider in the fray and the other resting, waiting for the tag. It was a style of racing conceived at Madison Square Garden, hence its name. Madison events are a massed-start points race.
Points Race
This is an endurance event with riders starting simultaneously in groups. Riders will sprint against each other at certain times in the race, usually during every 10 laps. Points are awarded according to the position the rider after the sprint. After the race has been completed the person with most number of points is the winner.
Olympic Sprint
Three riders from two teams race against each other. Each team starts from different ends of the track. Each team member completes one lap of the track. Once one lap is completed he/she retires and the next team member picks up on the next lap until all three riders have completed a single lap. The team that completes the three laps in the least amount of time is the winner.