WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS VELODROME EVENTS?

Olympic Games track cycling

The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of achievement in track cycling. Held every four years, Olympic velodrome events not only showcase the fastest athletes on the planet but also reflect the evolution of the sport itself. First introduced in 1896 for men and 1988 for women, Olympic track cycling has grown into a high-stakes showdown featuring multiple disciplines and dramatic moments.

Core Olympic track events

The current Olympic velodrome program includes several key events, each demanding different strengths from riders—from explosive sprints to long tactical pursuits. Athletes often specialize, but multi-event champions like Laura Kenny or Jason Kenny have become household names.

• Sprint: Head-to-head race emphasizing power and positioning

• Keirin: Motor-paced race with a wild sprint finish

• Team Pursuit: Teams of four race against the clock

• Omnium: Multi-race event testing all-around track skills

• Madison: Dynamic, two-person team event with exchanges

The Olympic format emphasizes national pride, with top programs like Great Britain, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands often dominating the medal tables.

Iconic Olympic velodromes

Some Olympic velodromes have become historic landmarks in the sport. The London Velodrome (2012), nicknamed "The Pringle," saw Team GB’s explosive rise. Tokyo 2020 introduced cutting-edge track surfaces to optimize rider speed.

• Athens 2004: Return of the sport to its birthplace

• Beijing 2008: Launchpad for Chris Hoy’s triple gold

• Rio 2016: Dominance of Jason and Laura Kenny

Olympic velodrome events have produced countless viral finishes, crashes, and photo finishes, reinforcing their status as the sport’s main stage.

UCI Track Cycling World Championships

Unlike the Olympics, the UCI Track Cycling World Championships are held annually, making them the sport’s most consistent proving ground. First held in 1893, this event has evolved from amateur roots into a modern-day spectacle, complete with rainbow jerseys awarded to the victors. It's where legends are made and national teams fight for global bragging rights.

Comprehensive race categories

The World Championships cover a full slate of track disciplines—sometimes even more than the Olympics. This includes both sprint and endurance events, individual and team-based formats. The addition of para-cycling categories in recent years has broadened its global impact.

• Individual Pursuit: Rider vs. clock in a test of pacing

• Scratch Race: Mass-start battle for pure finishing speed

• Points Race: Long-distance tactical race with intermediate sprints

• Elimination Race: Last-rider-out format for survival specialists

• Time Trial: Explosive one-lap or kilo efforts

Winners earn the right to wear the coveted rainbow stripes jersey for the next year, a badge of honor in the cycling world.

Global rotation and historic venues

The UCI World Championships rotate globally, with host cities like Berlin, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and Glasgow showcasing the sport to new audiences. These venues often invest heavily in infrastructure, raising the bar for fans and athletes alike.

• Manchester Velodrome: British cycling dominance in early 2000s

• Cali Velodrome: Bringing world-class cycling to Colombia

• Pruszków, Poland: Emerging European cycling hub

While Olympic glory may shine brighter, world championship consistency often defines careers—names like Kristina Vogel and François Pervis built their legacies here.

Six Day Series and other classics

The Six Day Series represents the heart and soul of professional velodrome racing—an intoxicating blend of competition, entertainment, and tradition. Originating in the late 19th century, these events span six consecutive nights, combining team racing with live DJ sets and beer-fueled crowds. They’re fast, fun, and full of character.

The structure of Six Day events

Six Day races primarily feature two-man teams competing in a rotating mix of Madison, time trials, elimination races, and more. Riders accumulate points each night, with overall standings updated daily—creating an ongoing narrative throughout the week.

• Madison: Constant rider swaps keep energy sky-high

• 1-Lap Time Trial: All-out sprinting drama

• Derny Races: Paced by motorbikes for turbocharged speeds

• Team Elimination: Strategy and survival combine

Points are everything, but so is the crowd vibe. Light shows, pumping music, and indoor arena energy make Six Day events a party and performance all in one.

Historic and modern venues

Some Six Day events date back over a century. While many older venues have modernized, they’ve retained their unique flavor. London, Berlin, and Ghent remain iconic stops on the Six Day calendar.

• Six Day Ghent (Belgium): Held in ‘t Kuipke velodrome since 1922

• Six Day Berlin (Germany): Massive crowds and fierce rivalries

• Six Day London (UK): Revived at the Olympic velodrome

• Six Day Mallorca: Outdoor variant with island flair

These events often double as showcases for emerging talent and comeback stages for pros. They're gritty, unpredictable, and loaded with history.

Other prestigious velodrome races

Outside of the major series, other standalone events have carved their place in track cycling lore. These races often offer World Cup points or serve as Olympic qualifiers.

• Revolution Series (UK): Domestic circuit with international flavor

• Japan Keirin Grand Prix: Huge betting, big drama

• Hong Kong International Track Cup: Asia’s rising velodrome scene

Track cycling thrives on the boards—from Olympic gold to nightclub-lighted laps. These events prove that velodrome racing is as versatile as it is thrilling.