Velodrome - Race Formats

Race Formats

There are a variety of formats in velodrome races. A typical event will consist of several races of varying distances and structures. The most straight forward is the "scratch race," where riders compete over a specified distance and the order of finish determines the winners.

Points races assign value to specific laps throughout a race and riders position in relation to the field, generally the leading rider and occasionally the second place rider will be awarded points. The structure and timing of points races varies greatly, but the winner is determined by the accumulation of points and not necessarily the rider crossing the line first at the end of the race.

Elimination race, also known as "devil take the hindmost" removes the last place rider from each lap until only three to five riders remain. The final standings are then determined by a sprint over the last two laps.

Madison races team up pairs of riders in a tag-team format. Riders "sling" their teammate forward to facilitate alternating sprints that keep the pace very high during typically long races (30km or more compared to 3-10km for most other races). The name is taken from Madison Square Garden where the format was popular in the early 1900s.

Keirin races involve pacing 6–9 riders with a motorcycle until the last lap and a half when a sprint for the finish determines the winner.

Omnium competition assigns a point value to final standings of each race and riders accumulate points over the course of an event or series of events. This is not a specific race, but a competition that ties races and events together.