Types of track events

Event – Handicap

Riders start on different marks around the track depending on their ability. The back markers have to work together to catch the front markers. Sometimes the front markers are able to stay away and take the race. Teamwork is required to get into a winning position, then in the last lap it becomes an individual race. The Rockhampton Cup On Wheels and Capricornia Cup are our clubs feature handicap races.

Event – Keirin

The Keirin is a form of motor-paced race in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed- controlled start behind a motorcycle.  It was developed in Japan around 1948 for gambling purposes and became an official event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australian.

Lots are drawn to determine starting positions for the riders behind a motorcycle. Riders must remain in their position for the first lap. Riders must remain behind the motorcycle for the predetermined number of laps. Initially the motorcycle makes circuits at about 25 kilometres per hour, gradually increasing to about 30-50 kilometres per hour. The motorcycle usually leaves the track approximately 600-700 meters before the end. At Elite levels, the winner’s finish speed can be around 70 kilometres per hour.

Event- Scratch race

The most fundamental race in the velodrome. All riders start at same place (on scratch). The rider that crosses the finish line first on the final lap wins. Scratch races vary in length from 8laps and up, and are typically the first event of the evening.

Event- Elimination

A cycling version of musical chairs in which the last rider across the finish line each lap is withdrawn from the race. The tension builds lap after lap as the riders fight for position at the back of the pack. One by one the field is whittled down to the final three riders who then sprint for first, second and third place.

Event – Points race

The Points race is based on a series of sprints usually one every five laps. The riders compete for points in each of the sprints with the points being given as 1st -5, 2nd-3, 3rd-2, 4th-1. If a rider laps the field they are awarded 20 bonus points. If a rider drops a lap on the field they lose 20 points.  The rider with the most points win.  In the case of a draw it is the rider who finishes ahead of the other rider in the last sprint.

Event – Tempo race (Progressive points)

The Tempo race is based on a series of sprints usually one every lap. The riders compete for a point in each of the sprints with a single point being awarded for 1st place (1 point). The rider with the most points wins.  In the case of a draw it is the rider who finishes ahead of the other rider in the last sprint.

Event – Derby

The Derby is a 3 Lap race of strategy.  With up to 7 riders maximum each race this Friday night, a Derby is a game of Cat and Mice. Sprinting speed versus endurance deems when riders will try to make a break for it hoping to outwit their challengers to the finish line.  

Event - Madison

One of the most exciting races to watch on the track, the Madison (so named because it originated in Madison Square Garden) is a race consisting of two-rider teams. The riders are required to change the rider who is competing during the race. While one member of the team races his partner slowly circles the track above the blue line. When they want to “change out”, the racer passes his momentum to his partner via a touch/push or “hand sling” before moving up to the blue line to recover for his/her next effort. Races may be run over a specified number of laps or over a period time. Often, sprints for points are offered as a means of enlivening the action.

Event – 1km (Kilo) Time Trial (men) 500m Time Trial (women)

From a standing start, the cyclist rides as fast as possible for 1 kilometer or 500 m. Results are easily determined: the fastest time wins. Foam pads are placed at the inside edge of the track to prevent riders from “taking a short cut” through the turns.

Event - Individual Pursuit

This event is over four kilometers for men, three for women. Two riders start exactly opposite from each other on the track and literally chase or “pursue” each other around the track. A rider can win the race by either catching his opponent or by recording the faster time. Times are displayed for each rider each half lap. The best riders follow a “schedule”, with coached allow track-side to communicate with their rider. The event may be run with riders qualifying through heats to a final round or as a time trial in which the rider recording the fastest time overall is declared the winner.

Event - Team Pursuit

The Team Pursuit is similar to the Individual Pursuit, except that each team consists of three or four riders. The racers ride single file, known as a “pace line”, and take turns leading the team around the track. At each turn the lead rider moves up the embankment to slow down, allowing the other three riders to pass underneath, and then drops down the track to the back of the “pace line”. The lead rider is responsible for setting the pace while the other cyclists work inside the draft to keep their speed while recovering. The winner is determined by the time recorded when the third member of the team crosses the finish line. A team is considered caught, when the third member of one team is passed by the second or third member of the opposing team.  Even though the race distance may not be completed the catching team has won the event.  The catching team may continue to ride the complete distance and record a time but the “caught” team must retire to a safe position on the track. 

Event - Team Sprint

Team Sprint is a team of three riders over 750m. Two teams start on opposite sides of the track, with each rider leading for 250m before peeling off. The final remaining rider for each team sprints for the finish to establish the team’s time. Teams can consist of all ages and genders.

Types of Track Racing Events 

Event Location