OLYMPIC GAMES | CYCLING TRACK
2024 Olympics in Paris: What are the events in track cycling? Format, disciplines, and schedule
Track racing takes place in a specially designed arena known as a velodrome. The track features two banked curves connected by two parallel straightaways.
Track cycling, a sport that demands a unique combination of speed, strength, and strategy, captivates audiences as athletes race around an indoor, oval-shaped velodrome. The track’s banked curves, typically angled at 45 degrees, help cyclists maintain speeds of up to 80 km/h by keeping their bikes perpendicular to the track during turns.
Track bikes, designed to be both strong and aerodynamic, are constructed from lightweight materials such as titanium or carbon fiber. Unlike road bicycles, track bikes feature a single gear and lack brakes. Their narrow tires minimize resistance, and at least one disc wheel at the rear reduces air resistance, contributing to greater speed.
Olympic Games Track Cycling Events
Track cycling at the Olympic Games comprises various events that emphasize different aspects of the sport. Some events focus on tactics, while others highlight sheer strength and power.
- Team Sprint: In this event, a group of three riders competes over three laps, with each cyclist leading the group for one lap.
- Individual Sprint: This knockout-format race features two riders competing head-to-head over three laps.
- Team Pursuit: This is a longer race in which two teams of four riders compete over 4 km, requiring precise teamwork and endurance.
- Keirin: literally "racing cycle" – is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start
- Omnium: is a multiple race event in track cycling, consisted of Scratch Race, Individual Pursuit, Elimination Race, and Points Race.
To maximize performance, cyclists adopt a high saddle and a low riding position, which reduces wind resistance and allows for efficient power transfer from their legs to the pedals. This blend of techniques and equipment defines the exhilarating sport of track cycling.
2024 Olympics in Paris: Track cycling schedule
Here is the full track cycling schedule for the 2024 Paris Olympics:
Tuesday, August 6
- 16:30 Women’s Team Pursuit, Qualifying
- 17:59 Men’s Team Sprint, First Round
- 18:14 Men’s Team Pursuit, First Round
- 18:55 Men’s Team Sprint, Finals - For Places 7-8
- 19:00 Men’s Team Sprint, Finals - For Places 5-6
- 19:05 Men’s Team Sprint, Finals - For Bronze 🥇
- 19:10 Men’s Team Sprint, Finals - For Gold 🥇
Wednesday, August 7
- 11:45 Men’s Sprint, Qualifying
- 12:26 Women’s Keirin, First Round
- 12:52 Women’s Team Pursuit, First Round
- 13:30 Men’s Sprint, 1/32 Finals
- 14:10 Women’s Keirin, Repechages
- 14:30 Men’s Sprint, 1/32 Finals Repechages
- 16:30 Men’s Sprint, 1/16 Finals
- 17:04 Men’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Places 7-8
- 17:13 Men’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Places 5-6
- 17:23 Men’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Bronze 🥇
- 17:33 Men’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Gold 🥇
- 17:42 Men’s Sprint, 1/16 Finals Repechages
- 17:57 Women’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Places 7-8
- 18:07 Women’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Places 5-6
- 18:17 Women’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Bronze 🥇
- 18:28 Women’s Team Pursuit, Finals - For Gold 🥇
- 18:38 Men’s Sprint, 1/8 Finals
- 19:14 Men’s Sprint, 1/8 Finals Repechages
Thursday, August 8
- 16:00 Men’s Omnium, Scratch Race 1/4
- 16:18 Women’s Keirin, Quarter-finals
- 16:38 Men’s Omnium, Tempo Race 2/4
- 17:01 Men’s Sprint, Quarterfinals - Race 1
- 17:15 Women’s Keirin, Semi-finals
- 17:25 Men’s Omnium, Elimination Race 3/4
- 17:47 Men’s Sprint, Quarter-finals - Race 2
- 18:01 Women’s Keirin, Final for places 7-12
- 18:11 Women’s Keirin, Final for Gold 🥇
- 18:18 Men’s Sprint, Quarter-finals - Decider
- 18:27 Men’s Omnium, Points Race 4/4
- 19:04 Men’s Sprint, Final for 5th-8th Places
- Friday, August 9
13:00 Women’s Sprint, Qualifying - 13:41 Men’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Race 1
- 13:48 Women’s Sprint, 1/32 Finals
- 14:29 Men’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Race 2
- 14:38 Women’s Sprint, 1/32 Finals Repechages
- 14:52 Men’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Decider
- 17:00 Men’s Sprint, Finals - Race 1
- 17:09 Women’s Madison, Final 🥇
- 18:02 Men’s Sprint, Finals - Race 2
- 18:10 Women’s Sprint, 1/16 Finals
- 18:38 Men’s Sprint, Finals - Decider 🥇
- 18:58 Women’s Sprint, 1/16 Finals Repechages
Saturday, August 10
- 16:00 Women’s Sprint, 1/8 Finals
- 16:19 Men’s Keirin, First Round
- 16:50 Women’s Sprint, 1/8 Finals Repechages
- 16:59 Men’s Madison, Final 🥇
- 18:07 Women’s Sprint, Quarter-finals - Race 1
- 18:21 Men’s Keirin, Repechages
- 18:49 Women’s Sprint, Quarter-finals - Race 2
- 19:14 Women’s Sprint, Quarter-finals - Decider
Sunday, August 11
- 10:00 Women’s Omnium, Scratch Race 1/4
- 10:22 Women’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Race 1
- 10:29 Men’s Keirin, Quarter-finals
- 10:50 Women’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Race 2
- 10:57 Women’s Omnium, Tempo Race 2/4
- 11:18 Women’s Sprint, Semi-finals - Decider
- 11:25 Women’s Sprint, Final for 5th-8th Places
- 11:29 Men’s Keirin, Semi-finals
- 11:45 Women’s Sprint, Finals - Race 1
- 11:53 Women’s Omnium, Elimination Race 3/4
- 12:15 Women’s Sprint, Finals - Race 2
- 12:23 Men’s Keirin, Final for places 7-12
- 12:32 Men’s Keirin, Final for Gold 🥇
Over the span of 12 years, iconic athletes like Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny, and Laura Trott etched their names into Olympic history, showcasing Team GB’s dominance in both men’s and women’s track cycling events.
Yet, as Paris 2024 approaches, the competitive landscape appears to have leveled, leading to a more tempered outlook for British prospects.