Sprint
Description
Match sprinting brings all the tension of gladiatorial combat to the boards of the
velodrome. After a flying start 200m time trial to seed the riders they then race
in individual rounds where it’s all about who crosses the line first, not how fast
you get there, giving track sprinting its unique combination of chess like tactical
maneuvers and explosive bursts of speed.
Facts
Track Sprinting appeared in the very first Olympic games of the modern era and has
appeared in every Olympic Games since 1920. Technically the race is run over 1000m
but in each match the riders will only be timed over the final 200m as the early
laps are more a test of tactics than speed.
What to watch out for
As the riders progress through the rounds of the sprint competition and become
more evenly matched in terms of their top speed, tactics play an ever-greater part
in the outcome of each race. Expect to see the riders slowly circle the track in the
early laps with each trying to force their opponent into a position from which they
can launch a surprise dash for the line.
One to Watch
More than one British Cycling insider has already earmarked Dave Daniell as having
the potential to emulate the achievements of Sir Chris Hoy. If he’s selected to ride
in Manchester this could be one of the first opportunities for the British cycling
public to get a good look at one of the riders at the forefront of the new generation
of British Cycling talent currently emerging.