Omnium
Description
Best described as cycling’s own version of the decathlon, the Omnium tests the all round track racing abilities of each competitor demanding skill, speed, endurance and tactical abilities in order to win. Riders score points according to their placing in each event with fewer points awarded the higher the placing. The rider with the lowest number of points overall wins.
The Omnium at the Track World Cup consists of:
- Flying 1 lap time trial
- Points race 30 km for men 20 km for women
- Elimination
- Individual pursuit 4000m for men, 3000m for women
- Scratch race
- Time trial: 1km men 500m women
Facts
The Omnium was introduced to the Men’s programme at the 2007 world champs and to the women’s programme in 2009. With the omnium now replacing a number of the endurance events that were previously part of the Olmpic track cycling programme it has now been introduced to the Track World Cup circuit and makes its Manchester debut this year.
What to watch out for
With riders competing in multiple events, expect to see the overall standings have an effect on the bunch races like the points race and scratch race when riders might have the opportunity to combine to gain an advantage over their rivals or make up ground lost in the individual rounds.
One to Watch
Already one of the best road riders in the world, Lizzie Armitstead has the combination of tactics, speed and stamina that make her well suited to the Omnium. Having previously won rounds of the Track World Cup in points race, scratch race and team pursuit she’s shown that she has the credentials to be amongst the best in the Omnium.
The Events
-
Keirin
The one with the motorbike! 6-9 riders take to the
track behind a pacing bike that gradually accelerates to race pace, leaving the
track with 2 laps to go as the riders unleash a ferocious bunch sprint to the
line. First across the line is the winner
Read More -
Sprint
Very slow, then very very fast!
After a qualifying time trial the riders race head to head in best of three
sprinting matches. Tactics are everything and it’s all about getting your
opponent where you want them!
Read More -
Team Sprint
All together now!
Teams start on opposite sides of the track, at the end of each lap one rider
drops out. Fastest team wins
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Team Pursuit
All together now (2)
Two teams start on opposite sides of the track, the aim is to catch your
opponents. Teams work together in close formation at high speed. 3km for the
ladies, 4 for the men
Read More -
Omnium
All round action
Cycling’s equivalent of the heptathlon or decathlon, the Omnium finds the best all
rounder with its combination of sprint and endurance, individual and bunch races
Read More
About the Track World Cup Classics Glasgow
The UCI Track World Cup Classics is a global three race series that sees the worlds best cyclists competing for the points that will ultimately determine their international ranking and ultimately qualification for the next Olympic Games. The event takes place at the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, a key venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games . The event takes place between the 16th and the 18th November 2012.