What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

Victor MatherReporting from the Tokyo Games

In the keirin, invented in Japan as a gambling event in the 1940s, riders trail behind a motorcycle for several laps. Then the motorcycle peels off, and there is a three-lap dash to the finish.

Read more about the race.

What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

Victor MatherReporting from the Tokyo Games

The Madison is named for Madison Square Garden, where indoor bicycle racing was popular in the early 1900s. It is a two-person event, with riders trading off in the race, tag-team style.

What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

Victor MatherReporting from the Tokyo Games

Why are the two competitors going so slowly at the start of the sprint? Neither wants to be in the lead, which is a disadvantage aerodynamically. So they play a careful game of cat and mouse to avoid leading, like in this race from the 2013 world championships.

What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

Victor MatherReporting from the Tokyo Games

The omnium is like a bicycling decathlon, with four different events.

What Is Going On in Track Cycling?

Victor MatherReporting from the Tokyo Games

There’s also the team sprint and team pursuit. The menu has changed over the years. Gone is the 1,000-meter time trial, a tough race that riders called the “killer K.” So is the tandem race, for bicycles built for two.