Track race formats
Tempo: a point on every lap.
After the first four laps, the first rider over the line scores a point. Then it starts again. Every lap is a chance, and nobody gets to hide.
Free on Ride Cave. Races need a smart trainer or power meter.
There are no easy laps in a tempo race.
How it works
It never stops scoring.
Four laps to settle
After the neutral laps, the first four race laps score nothing. Find your place in the bunch.
A point a lap
From the fifth lap, the first rider over the line on each lap takes one point. The last lap is worth one too, never double.
Most points wins
Lapping the main bunch scores 20 and being lapped costs 20. A tie goes to the order over the line on the last lap.
How to race it
Steady power, sharp elbows.
Ride near threshold
You cannot sprint every lap. The riders who score most hold a high, steady pace and lift for the line.
Stay near the front
A point goes to one rider only. From the back of the bunch you are racing for nothing.
Go clear for a run
A rider off the front takes point after point until the bunch reacts, and a lap gained is worth 20 of them.
On Ride Cave
Ride it your way.
A field whenever you want one.
Race bots at Easy, Normal or Hard, on any of 22 velodromes or a track you designed yourself. They follow the same rules and physics you do: they draft, tire, chase and sprint.
Race real people.
Host a Group Ride from any velodrome, make it a race, and send the link. Up to 30 riders line up on one grid and the field counts down together. The race room records every place, so everyone sees the same official result.
A result that stays with you.
Your ride summary opens on the race, with the standings and where you finished. Every race earns XP and a badge in your ride list.
The settings
What you can set.
| Race laps | 10 to 120, 40 by default |
|---|---|
| Scoring | 1 point a lap from the fifth lap; 20 for a lap gained or lost |
| The field | Up to 24 bots at Easy, Normal or Hard, or up to 30 real riders in a live Group Race |
Questions
Good to know.
What is a tempo race in track cycling?
A mass start race where, after the first four laps, the first rider over the line on every lap scores one point. The most points at the end wins.
How is it different from a points race?
A points race has bigger sprints every few laps and a double final sprint. A tempo race scores on every lap, one point to one rider, so there is no time to rest.
Is the last lap worth more?
No. It scores one point like every other lap, and the order over the line breaks any tie.
More track racing
The other formats.
Madison
The team event. One rider races while the other rests, then a hand sling swaps them over.
Scratch
First over the line wins. The purest race on the track.
Points
Points on the sprint laps, and a lap gained is worth more than any sprint.
Elimination
The last rider over the line is out, again and again, until one is left.
Keirin
A derny winds up the speed, pulls off, and the sprint is on.
Time trial
You against the clock, from a standing start, with no draft.
Hold the tempo.
Pick a velodrome, set the laps, and start collecting.
