Track cycling takes place on a velodrome, a purpose-built indoor or outdoor oval-shaped track with a smooth surface and steeply banked curves ranging from 30 to 45 degrees, and range in length from 250 meters to 500 meters. Track bikes are designed for maximum efficiency and aerodynamics, with fixed-gear so the pedals are in constant motion when the bike is moving and they have no brakes.

There are several different events within track cycling and include endurance or sprint races.

• Points race: A points race is a bunch race event where riders try to gain the largest number of points over the course of the race distance by winning intermediate sprints. 5, 3, 2 and 1 points are awarded to the top four riders every 10 laps; double points are awarded on the final lap. Twenty points can be won by lapping the main bunch of the race, known as gaining a lap, lost by being lapped by the main bunch. The rider with the most points wins.
• Scratch race: The scratch race is the simplest of track races. It is a bunch race and the first rider to finish wins.
• Keirin: The keirin sees riders follow a derny (motorbike) which gradually speeds up over three laps. It then pulls off the track leaving the riders to sprint to the finish over the remaining three laps.
• Sprint: The sprint sees two riders battle against each other over three laps. The riders start side-by-side and try to manoeuvre themselves into the best position. Sometimes they will ride slowly or weave up and down the banking as they try to pressure their opponent into making a mistake, or to gain their preferred position (whether that be leading or following). Eventually, they will start sprinting and the first rider over the finish line at the end of three laps is the winner.
• Individual pursuit: Two riders start on opposite sides of the track for the individual pursuit (IP). Each is racing for the best time. In finals, if one rider catches the other, the race is won. However, this faster rider may continue riding to set a time. IP distances are 2000m, 3000m, or 4000m depending on the category.
• Team sprint: This is effectively a short team time trial over three laps contested by teams of three riders. All three set off at the same time and quickly form a line in their designated order. The first rider will lead the team around the entire first lap before peeling off and allowing the next rider to take up the pace. This process happens again at the end of the second lap with just one rider crossing the line on the final lap to record the team’s time. The fastest team wins.
• Team pursuit: Two teams of four riders start from opposite sides of the track for the team pursuit (TP). The team’s time is recorded when the front wheel of the third rider’s bike crosses the finish line. Riders in the TP follow each other closely in a line (drafting) to minimise aerodynamic drag. If one of the riders cannot finish, the team may continue with three riders. Usually, this is a tactical decision, and you rarely see four riders finish together. TPs are typically 3000m or 4000m. Similar to the IP, if one of the teams is lapped during the finals, the fastest team is declared the winner.
• 1000m and 500m time trial: The 1000m and 500m time trials are as straightforward as they sound. It’s a maximum effort from start to finish. Riders launch from the starting gate aiming to set the shortest time. The 1000m time trial is also known as the ‘kilo’. Riders will attempt to hug the black line at the bottom of the track to ensure they cover the shortest distance.
• Madison: Teams of two compete, with only one rider from each duo active at any time, the other resting by riding at a slower place further up the track’s banking. To swap status they tag each other as they pass – anywhere on the track, as often as they want – with what’s sometimes a touch or push, but most usually a purposeful handsling to provide momentum to the incoming partner. Points are gained for placings in intermediate sprints throughout the race, and, like in the points race, for lapping the rest of the field. It’s the points total at the end that determines the winner.