The Omnium consists of six events:
– Flying lap: this is a race against the clock.
– Points race (30km for men, 20km for women): riders score points for sprints which occur every 10 laps during the race, and for lapping the field.
– Elimination race: a bunch race with an intermediate sprint every two laps; the last rider each time is eliminated.
– Individual pursuit: (4,000m for men, 3,000m for women): two riders start at opposite sides of the track and race against the clock.
– Scratch race: This is a straightforward race over 16km for men and 10km for women. The first rider to cross the line wins.
– Time trial (1km for men, 500m for women): Each competitor rides the course aiming for the fastest time.
Competition format
In each event the winner gets one point, the second placed rider gets two points, the third three points, and so on. At the end of all six events the rider with the lowest total score is the winner.
For a complete set of rules, please refer to the website of the International Cycling Union (UCI), governing body for the sport.
Find out more about the Men's Track Cycling Omnium and Women's Track Cycling Team Omnium competitions at the Olympic Games on the International Olympic Committee website.
