This is a sprint event where riders compete in heats of six at a time, with the top placings qualifying for the next round.
The riders will complete eight laps per race but the first five-and-a-half are behind a derny (a motorised bike that acts as a pacemaker) that slowly gets them up to a high speed, with the riders following in set positions decided before the race.
With two-and-a-half laps to go the derny stops and the racing really begins.
Riders have to be the first across the line to win, but go too early and other riders will use your slipstream to get past; go too late and they won’t have the time or space to overcome their rivals.
They have to be aware of riders in front and behind – the ultimate in both skill and strength for sprinters.
Key words to listen for:
- Derny, a motorised bike that is ridden at the front of the race. It used to be a two-stroke engine powered bike with a very distinct noise but is now usually electric, but with the noise super-imposed.
- Slipstream – see our post about the Sprint.
The Cycling Track program is from 5th August to 11th August.
The women’s keirin starts on 7th August and concludes the following day.
The men’s event begins on 10th and finishes on the 11th.
