Can someone explain this cycling event to me?

[Roc A Bee]

Just turned on the Olympics tonight, and it is men's sprint cycling. One starts out in front of the other and they go really slow for the first bit then they sprint. Best 2/3 wins?

I've never seen this before. Why go slow? Why race so many times?

[Deleted]

I was watching this too and was wondering WTF was going on. The commentator said it's all about strategy and that's why they start out slow. It's like a mental game for the racers to see who can get in the front. I thought it was pretty dumb. They should just race.

[joenali]

Because they average 45 miles per hour on the last lap. I would imagine it's really hard to go three laps at 45 mph.

[Roc A Bee]

I was very confused. I didn't know who got to be first and whether that was an advantage or not.

[joenali]

And to be honest, I do not know all the ins and outs of indoor track racing at all. I was just writing what I heard the announcer say!

[zeewifeandmama]

so glad I wasnt the only one confused!!

[hazel]

I just saw this and was trying to figure that one out too...

[Deleted]

The first laps are tactics. Going into the sprint, the rider in second has the advantage because they can draft off their opponent for the last lap and pull ahead right at the finish as well as keep a eye on the other rider. So both riders want to be second when the sprint starts. So it's all about trying to figure out how to get your opponent to mess up and go ahead of you.

A lot of all cycling is about tactics, position and setting yourself up for a sprint at the finish.

ETA: The next time you're on a bike, try to ride that slow. I can't do it, it's really hard and requires control over your body that I just don't have.

[hannamaren]

I love this event. So cool.
And they race twice to be sure of the winner. Basically it is best of 3

[futurepivko]

Aug 6, 2012 22:58:31 GMT -5 zeewifeandmama said:

so glad I wasnt the only one confused!!

Same here!