Olympic observe biking explainer: Madison
“], “filter”: “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button” }”>
Heading out the door? Learn this text on the brand new Outdoors+ app accessible now on iOS gadgets for members!
>”,”name”:”in-content-cta”,”type”:”link”}”>Download the app.
Finals: Aug. 6 (girls) Aug. 7 (males)
The way it works: The Madison is a relay race of two riders wherein just one rider is “within the race” at any time. Factors are awarded in intermediate sprints all through the race, and groups also can achieve factors by lapping the sphere — however they’ll additionally lose factors by being lapped. The ultimate dash awards double factors to the victors.
The lads race for 200 laps (50km) whereas the ladies race 120 laps (30km), and in each races, there will probably be 16 two-person groups zipping across the velodrome. The defining picture of the Madison is the handoff, the place the actively racing teammate hyperlinks palms with the resting teammate after which slingshots the rider from behind again into the race to contend for the factors.
What to observe for: Nowadays, the victory is nearly at all times determined by a transfer to lap the sphere — generally lapping it twice — so preserve your eyes out for groups seeking to assault throughout a lull. Cagy groups will typically let the newcomers go for the opening dash earlier than pouncing, so search for the skilled groups from Nice Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands to await their flip to pounce on the sphere as soon as legs and lungs are drained. The most effective riders are endurance riders who can sense the temper of the peloton and know when to assault.
Favorites males: Denmark, New Zealand, Germany, Nice Britain, The Netherlands
Favorites girls: Netherlands, France, Nice Britain, Italy
North Individuals: Jennifer Valente and Megan Jastrab (USA), Derek Gee and Michael Foley (Canada), Adrian Hegyvary and Gavin Hoover (USA)
