Track

Track cycling takes place on a specially designed oval track called a velodrome, usually around 200-400m long, where riders race fixed-gear bicycles without brakes. Events range from high-speed sprints to endurance races that test tactics, teamwork, and precision. Track cycling is one of the oldest and most technical forms of cycling sport and is known for its fast action, close competition, and Olympic heritage.

BC is home to two velodromes, the Burnaby Velodrome (the only indoor velodrome in the Pacific Northwest) and the WestShore Velodrome in Greater Victoria.

Track Cycling Events

Sprint

In the Sprint, two to four competitors cover 1000 metres. This race demands more tactical skill than any other bicycle race – riders jockey for position as they try to outwit each other before the final dash to the line. The final metres of a match sprint are said to be the most intense in cycling.

Olympic Sprint

In the Olympic Sprint, two teams of three riders start on opposite sides of the track. After the start, the first rider of each team leads the team around the track, pulling off at the end of the first lap and allowing the second rider to lead. At the end of the second lap, this rider pulls off and the third rider completes the final lap on their own. The winning team is the one with the fastest finishing time. This event relies heavily on careful team selection and planning. It requires both the acceleration of a sprinter and the power of a kilo rider.

Points Race

In the points race, riders start together and sprint against each other on specified laps throughout the race. Depending on their placing after these sprints, riders earn points. Unless a rider laps the field, the winner is the one that accumulates the most points.

Individual Pursuit

In the individual pursuit, two riders start, from a standing start, at opposite sides of the track. The winner is the first rider to cover the specified distance or to catch the other rider. Distances vary from 2 km to 4 km.

Team Pursuit

The rules of the team pursuit are the same as those of the individual pursuit–except that teams of four riders compete against each other. The time for the team is based on the team’s third finisher.

Time Trial

In the time trial, an individual cyclist races alone against the clock from a standing start. A time trial is either 1 km or 500m, and requires a maximum effort of 60 to 90 seconds. A time trial is always ridden as a straight final. The rider with the fastest time wins.