Common race events held at Superdrome:

Common race events held at Superdrome:

Scratch Race:

This is the most basic race at a velodrome, basically a criterium on the track. After a mass start from the rail, riders race a predetermined number of laps. A bell signifies the final lap (bell lap). First racer across the line wins; second racer gets 2nd; third racer gets 3rd; and so on (we try to score at least 10 deep). Free laps up to a distance of 1300 meters (5 laps) may be taken in a case of a mishap. However, riders taking free laps may not return to the track in the final kilometer of the race. Riders deemed not in contention by the officials may be removed and scored as they would have placed. When lapped riders are not removed, they will finish on the same lap as the winner and shall be placed according to the number of laps they are down and then their position at the finish. Riders not finishing will not be placed. Riders must finish above the blue band to be scored.

Danish: (scratch race variant)

A Danish race is essentially the opposite of a Miss-and-Out. Only one bell will be rung during the race to announce the final lap for the winner. At the specified number of laps (usually 8), the first rider across the line will be declared the winner, and will exit the race. All other riders will continue. The next lap, the first rider across the line will be second place and exit. All other riders continue. The next lap, the first rider will be third. Depending on the field size, we either score the fourth through field on the next scoring lap, or wait until fifth through field with larger fields (the starter will let you know in the start of the race instructions).

Miss-n-Out: (scratch race variant)

The race can be of varying lengths, depending on the field size. After a specified number of laps, the last rider (rear edge of rear wheel) across the finish line each proceeding lap is pulled out of the race, leaving the remaining field to continue. This pulling of last riders continues until there are 3 riders left. At that point there will be one non-pulling lap, then the bell lap to determine first, second and third place. Riders suffering mishaps shall be eliminated. When fewer than 8 riders remain, riders suffering mishaps shall be placed ahead of riders already eliminated. Riders who withdraw on their own and who do not cross the finish line above the blue band will not be scored. No riders will be pulled from the field on laps where riders withdraw on their own.

Unknown Distance: (scratch race variant)

Typically 30-60 laps. Participants do not know how many laps the race will last. At a predetermined lap, the race official will ring the bell signifying the final lap. Participants will then sprint to the finish. Some riders gamble that the bell will be rung early and therefore stay near the front. Other riders gamble that the bell will be rung later, and save their energy at the back.

Points Race:

This is a mass start race. A rider scores points in intermediate bonus sprints every 10 laps, (Points 5, 3, 2, 1). Any rider who gains a lap on the main field will receive 20 points. A rider is judged to have gained a lap upon reaching a position to take shelter behind the main group. When riders are strung out so that no main group exists, a rider is credited with having gained a lap after passing the majority of riders remaining in the field. A rider is considered to have taken shelter when the distance is less than 5 meters or 16 feet. Any rider who loses a lap to the main field will lose 20 points. Same free lap rules as the Scratch Race. Riders who have mishaps and are prevented from returning to the race before the final kilometer will retain their points for the final classification. Other riders who fail to complete the race shall not be placed. Riders must finish above the blue band to be scored.

Snowball (points race variant) (10-20 Laps)
A variation of the tempo race. Laps are scored 2 deep and increase in value by one point each lap. The first lap is worth one point (1/0), the 2nd lap is worth 2 points (2/1), and so on. The last lap is scored 4 places deep, 12/9/6/3 on a 10 lap race and 24/18/12/6 on a 20 lap race. At the Superdrome, we count up on the laps cards, so the points for first across are equal to the lap card. Laps take precedent over points. You must finish to place. Only one bell will be rung during the race to announce the final lap.

Tempo (points race variant) (10-25 Laps)

This 10 to 20+ lap race is similar to the points race, but much shorter. Sprints happen each lap, and the winner gets two points and the second rider gets 1 point. The final lap awards points to the top four racers as follows; 5 points, 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point. The rider with the most points wins. Laps take precedent over points. You must finish to place. Only one bell will be rung during the race to announce the final lap.

Edit 2008