Track races are contested on a velodrome. Track racing features an interesting mix of sprint and endurance events in which athletes or teams compete in individual or mass-start races.
Track cycling’s sprint events include the sprint, team sprint, keirin, the 500-meter time trial, and the kilometer time trial. The endurance events are the individual pursuit, team pursuit, scratch race, points race, Madison, and the omnium.
The Olympic Games feature five events each for men and women: Sprint, Keirin, Team Sprint, Team Pursuit, and Omnium.
(Adapted from USAC’s enCYCLINGpedia.)
The only velodrome in Illinois is the Ed Rudolph velodrome; operated by the Northbrook Cycle Committee. Throughout the summer, races are held at the Northbrook velodrome on Thursday nights and Saturdays. Racers can get training on the track with clinics held there on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check their website for complete information. There are brand new track bikes available for rental in 2025!