Common races held at Superdrome
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.