Team USA

Track

About Track Cycling

One of the most spectator-friendly disciplines of competitive cycling, track racing seems to have something for everybody. A plethora of events makes track cycling an interesting mix of sprint and endurance events in which athletes or teams compete in individual or mass-start races. Contested on a velodrome, track events offer non-stop action and some of the most impressive and exhilarating moments in cycling. Each track cycling event is a unique competition that relies on the strength, power, speed, endurance, strategy and tactics of its competitors to determine a winner.

Velodromes vary widely in total distance, shape and degree of banking, giving each velodrome its own personality. Riding the velodrome requires a fixed gear bike, meaning it has one gear and no brakes.

There are a variety of lines painted on the velodrome:

  • The apron is the flat area between the infield and the track. This area is where you will start to ride before progressing onto the boards and is often painted concrete.
  • The cote d'azur are light blue painted boards signal the edge of the track.
  • The black line - also known as the datum line - is 20cm above the cote d'azur and denotes the shortest and therefore fastest way to cover the length of the track.
  • The red line - also known as the sprinter's line - is 70cm above the black line and exists for rules to be implemented in competition.
  • The blue line - also known as the stayer's line - is a safe spot to ride if you’re not actively engaged in a sprint effort.

Scratch Race

Riders compete over a specified distance and the first person to cross the line is the winner.

Points Race

Values are assigned to specific laps throughout a race, e.g. every tenth lap. Generally the leading rider and sometimes the second place rider will be awarded points. The structure and timing of points races varies greatly, but the winner is determined by the accumulation of points and not necessarily the rider crossing the line first at the end of the race.

Elimination Race

Also known as "miss and out." This race removes the last place rider from each lap (every second lap on shorter tracks) until only three to five riders remain. The final standings are then determined by a sprint over the last two laps.

Madison

Paired riders "sling" their teammate forward to facilitate alternating sprints that keep the pace very high during typically long races (30 km or 19 miles, or more, compared to 3–10 km or 1.9–6.2 mi for most other races). The name is taken from Madison Square Garden where the format was popular in the early 1900s. Since partners can trade as often as they like, this is a very busy race format, with half of the racers racing and half circulating around the track at any time.

Keirin

A motorcycle known as a Derny paces 6 to 9 riders, gradually accelerating until the last lap and a half when it pulls off the track and a sprint for the finish determines the winner.

Omnium

Competition assigns a point value to final standings of each race and riders accumulate points over the course of an event or series of events. This is not a specific race, but a competition that ties several races together. The Olympic event includes the Scratch, Tempo, Elimination, and Points Races.

Pursuit

Two or more competitors (or teams) are either chasing after each other or chasing after a lead competitor or team.

  • The individual pursuit is an event where two cyclists begin the race from a stationary position on opposite sides of the track. The two riders start at the same time and set off to complete the race distance in the fastest time. This race makes for a good spectacle as the two riders pursue each other attempting to catch the other rider who started on the other side of the track. If the catch is achieved, then the successful pursuer is declared the winner. However, they can continue to ride the rest of the race distance to set the fastest time in a qualifying race or a record in a final.
  • The team pursuit is an event like the individual pursuit, except that two teams, each of up to four riders, compete, starting on opposite sides of the velodrome.

Join The Team

Hard work does pay off. USA Cycling is proud to support high-performing athletes with financial, technological, and logistical programs that allow them to focus their efforts even further. USA Cycling believes that using time standards for international team qualification and continually raising the bar related to athlete support programs have been the catalysts for the fourteen World Championship medals won in the past quadrennium—the most American medals in a quad.

Get Involved

Join A Club

Compete Locally

Prepare & Train

Compete Nationally

Compete Internationally

Athlete Development Pathway

USA Cycling’s Athlete Development Pathway defines structured development tiers with multiple levels of programming for athletes in their journey to the USA Cycling National Team. The Athlete Development Pathway leads program design both at the club and national levels, all while educating parents and athletes about the multiple opportunities available to them on their journey from local results to international achievement.


U.S. Velodromes

While we work to organize specific USA Cycling camps, check out your local velodrome to get started in their camps, clinics, races, and events.

Velodrome

Location
Encino VelodromeEncino, CA
Hellyer Park VelodromeSan Jose, CA
VELO Sports CenterCarson, CA
San Diego VelodromeSan Diego, CA
Olympic Training Center VelodromeColorado Springs, CO
Brian Picolo Park VelodromeCooper City, FL
Dick Lane VelodromeEast Point, GA
Ed Rudolph VelodromeNorthbrook, IL
Major Taylor VelodromeIndianapolis, IN
Lexus VelodromeDetroit, MI
International Velodrome at Bloomer ParkRochester Hills, MI
Penrose Park VelodromeSt. Louis, MO
Northeast Velodrome & Cycling ParkLondonberry, NH
Kissena VelodromeQueens, NY
Asheville MellowdromeAsheville, NC
Cleveland VelodromeCleveland, OH
Valley Preferred Cycling CenterTrexlertown, PA
Giordana VelodromeRock Hill, SC
Alkek VelodromeHouston, TX
Jerry Baker Memorial VelodromeRedmond, WA
Washington Park VelodromeKenosha, WI



What is the National Team Designation?

USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
 

Do you have what it takes to be a part of the team? Click here to view the 2025 National Team Criteria | Discretionary Criteria


MEET THE TEAM

TRACK OLYMPICS
Olympic Games

July 26 - August 11, 2024

Paris, France

Track Selection Criteria

Staff Selection Procedures

Discretionary Petition

TRACK ELITE WORLDS
Elite Track World Championships

October 16-20, 2024

Ballerup, Denmark

For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Track Cycling

SELECTION CRITERIA

DISCRETIONARY PETITION

TRACK JUNIOR WORLDS
Junior Track World Championships

August 21 - 25, 2024

Luoyang, China

For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Junior Track Cycling - World Championships

SELECTION CRITERIA

DISCRETIONARY PETITION

TRACK NATIONS CUP
Track Nations Cups

2024 Schedule

February 2-4: Adelaide, Australia
March 14-17: Hong Kong, China
April 12-14: Milton, Canada

For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Track Cycling Nations Cups

Selection Guidelines

ENDURANCE DISCRETIONARY PETITION

SPRINT DISCRETIONARY PETITION

TRACK PAN AM CONT
Elite Track Continental Championships

April 4-7, 2024

Carson, Calif.

SELECTION CRITERIA

DISCRETIONARY PETITION

Selection Process

USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS

Selection Committee

The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.

Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.

The Track Selection Committee is as follows:

  • Lauren Tamayo - 10 Year Athlete; 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist
  • Adam Duvendeck - 2004 & 2008 Olympian
  • USA Cycling Discipline Director

    All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.

    About Track Cycling

    One of the most spectator-friendly disciplines of competitive cycling, track racing seems to have something for everybody. A plethora of events makes track cycling an interesting mix of sprint and endurance events in which athletes or teams compete in individual or mass-start races. Contested on a velodrome, track events offer non-stop action and some of the most impressive and exhilarating moments in cycling. Each track cycling event is a unique competition that relies on the strength, power, speed, endurance, strategy and tactics of its competitors to determine a winner.

    Velodromes vary widely in total distance, shape and degree of banking, giving each velodrome its own personality. Riding the velodrome requires a fixed gear bike, meaning it has one gear and no brakes.

    There are a variety of lines painted on the velodrome:

    • The apron is the flat area between the infield and the track. This area is where you will start to ride before progressing onto the boards and is often painted concrete.
    • The cote d'azur are light blue painted boards signal the edge of the track.
    • The black line - also known as the datum line - is 20cm above the cote d'azur and denotes the shortest and therefore fastest way to cover the length of the track.
    • The red line - also known as the sprinter's line - is 70cm above the black line and exists for rules to be implemented in competition.
    • The blue line - also known as the stayer's line - is a safe spot to ride if you’re not actively engaged in a sprint effort.

    Scratch Race

    Riders compete over a specified distance and the first person to cross the line is the winner.

    Points Race

    Values are assigned to specific laps throughout a race, e.g. every tenth lap. Generally the leading rider and sometimes the second place rider will be awarded points. The structure and timing of points races varies greatly, but the winner is determined by the accumulation of points and not necessarily the rider crossing the line first at the end of the race.

    Elimination Race

    Also known as "miss and out." This race removes the last place rider from each lap (every second lap on shorter tracks) until only three to five riders remain. The final standings are then determined by a sprint over the last two laps.

    Madison

    Paired riders "sling" their teammate forward to facilitate alternating sprints that keep the pace very high during typically long races (30 km or 19 miles, or more, compared to 3–10 km or 1.9–6.2 mi for most other races). The name is taken from Madison Square Garden where the format was popular in the early 1900s. Since partners can trade as often as they like, this is a very busy race format, with half of the racers racing and half circulating around the track at any time.

    Keirin

    A motorcycle known as a Derny paces 6 to 9 riders, gradually accelerating until the last lap and a half when it pulls off the track and a sprint for the finish determines the winner.

    Omnium

    Competition assigns a point value to final standings of each race and riders accumulate points over the course of an event or series of events. This is not a specific race, but a competition that ties several races together. The Olympic event includes the Scratch, Tempo, Elimination, and Points Races.

    Pursuit

    Two or more competitors (or teams) are either chasing after each other or chasing after a lead competitor or team.

    • The individual pursuit is an event where two cyclists begin the race from a stationary position on opposite sides of the track. The two riders start at the same time and set off to complete the race distance in the fastest time. This race makes for a good spectacle as the two riders pursue each other attempting to catch the other rider who started on the other side of the track. If the catch is achieved, then the successful pursuer is declared the winner. However, they can continue to ride the rest of the race distance to set the fastest time in a qualifying race or a record in a final.
    • The team pursuit is an event like the individual pursuit, except that two teams, each of up to four riders, compete, starting on opposite sides of the velodrome.

    Join The Team

    Hard work does pay off. USA Cycling is proud to support high-performing athletes with financial, technological, and logistical programs that allow them to focus their efforts even further. USA Cycling believes that using time standards for international team qualification and continually raising the bar related to athlete support programs have been the catalysts for the fourteen World Championship medals won in the past quadrennium—the most American medals in a quad.

    Get Involved

    Join A Club

    Compete Locally

    Prepare & Train

    Compete Nationally

    Compete Internationally

    Athlete Development Pathway

    USA Cycling’s Athlete Development Pathway defines structured development tiers with multiple levels of programming for athletes in their journey to the USA Cycling National Team. The Athlete Development Pathway leads program design both at the club and national levels, all while educating parents and athletes about the multiple opportunities available to them on their journey from local results to international achievement.


    U.S. Velodromes

    While we work to organize specific USA Cycling camps, check out your local velodrome to get started in their camps, clinics, races, and events.

    Velodrome

    Location
    Encino VelodromeEncino, CA
    Hellyer Park VelodromeSan Jose, CA
    VELO Sports CenterCarson, CA
    San Diego VelodromeSan Diego, CA
    Olympic Training Center VelodromeColorado Springs, CO
    Brian Picolo Park VelodromeCooper City, FL
    Dick Lane VelodromeEast Point, GA
    Ed Rudolph VelodromeNorthbrook, IL
    Major Taylor VelodromeIndianapolis, IN
    Lexus VelodromeDetroit, MI
    International Velodrome at Bloomer ParkRochester Hills, MI
    Penrose Park VelodromeSt. Louis, MO
    Northeast Velodrome & Cycling ParkLondonberry, NH
    Kissena VelodromeQueens, NY
    Asheville MellowdromeAsheville, NC
    Cleveland VelodromeCleveland, OH
    Valley Preferred Cycling CenterTrexlertown, PA
    Giordana VelodromeRock Hill, SC
    Alkek VelodromeHouston, TX
    Jerry Baker Memorial VelodromeRedmond, WA
    Washington Park VelodromeKenosha, WI



    What is the National Team Designation?

    USA Cycling is responsible for supporting and guiding athletes capable of winning Olympic medals, while also identifying, recruiting and developing future Games athletes. Our vision is to be amongst the very best in the world at talent identification, athlete development, management and preparation in all cycling disciplines. The National Team Designation is considered a critical means for achieving this vision. The support provided through the program seeks to offset some of the expenses associated with preparing for and participating in international sport. The program aims to support and assist athletes with the greatest potential to win medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
     

    Do you have what it takes to be a part of the team? Click here to view the 2025 National Team Criteria | Discretionary Criteria


    MEET THE TEAM

    TRACK OLYMPICS
    Olympic Games

    July 26 - August 11, 2024

    Paris, France

    Track Selection Criteria

    Staff Selection Procedures

    Discretionary Petition

    TRACK ELITE WORLDS
    Elite Track World Championships

    October 16-20, 2024

    Ballerup, Denmark

    For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Track Cycling

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    TRACK JUNIOR WORLDS
    Junior Track World Championships

    August 21 - 25, 2024

    Luoyang, China

    For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Junior Track Cycling - World Championships

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    TRACK NATIONS CUP
    Track Nations Cups

    2024 Schedule

    February 2-4: Adelaide, Australia
    March 14-17: Hong Kong, China
    April 12-14: Milton, Canada

    For the most up-to-date information, please visit: UCI Track Cycling Nations Cups

    Selection Guidelines

    ENDURANCE DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    SPRINT DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    TRACK PAN AM CONT
    Elite Track Continental Championships

    April 4-7, 2024

    Carson, Calif.

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    DISCRETIONARY PETITION

    Selection Process

    USA Cycling is responsible for selecting the athletes who represent the United States in Protected Competitions through an extensive selection process.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ATHLETE EVENT SELECTION PROCESS

    Selection Committee

    The discipline-specific selection committee provides oversight and accountability of the athlete nomination process. They ensure that the athlete selection procedures are followed and that criteria – both automatic and discretionary - are applied appropriately to nominate athletes. Once confirmed, they approve the athlete nominations.

    Each discipline-specific selection committee is composed of three volunteers – a 10 Year Athlete, discipline expert unrelated to USA Cycling, and USA Cycling Discipline Director. Each selection committee includes at least one-third 10 Year Athlete Representatives as required by the USOPC Bylaws. Athlete Representatives on the selection committees are approved by USA Cycling’s Athletes’ Advisory Council.

    The Track Selection Committee is as follows:

    • Lauren Tamayo - 10 Year Athlete; 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist
    • Adam Duvendeck - 2004 & 2008 Olympian
    • USA Cycling Discipline Director

      All members of the Selection Committee and USA Cycling Sport Performance staff participating in a selection must comply with USA Cycling’s Statement of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.

      SFS Track Devo CTA 1440x500

      SEARCH FOR SPEED

      Talent identification reimagined.

      TRACK CYCLING

      MEET THE STAFF
      Gary Sutton Bio
      Gary
      Sutton
      Women's Endurance Track National Team Coach
      Background

      Gary leads the women’s endurance track program at USA Cycling. With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Sutton has a distinctive track record in the sport. Most recently, he was the Women's Track Endurance Coach for Cycling Australia, serving in that role since 2010 and achieving international success at the highest level with multiple athletes across multiple events. Highly respected for his technical skills, Gary is equally praised for his commitment to individual athletes and focus on developing good people – not just great athletes. Prior to coaching, he was an outstanding elite cyclist in his own right having competed in the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games and winning the amateur World Championship in the Points Race. Gary is based at the USA Cycling headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

      CONTACT
      Craig Griffin
      Craig
      Griffin
      Senior Track Director
      Background

      Craig returns to USA Cycling in the role of Senior Track Director. He brings 33 years of elite coaching experience leading Track Endurance programs for USA Cycling, U.S. Paralympics, Canada, Japan National and Olympic Teams. He brings a wealth of knowledge and high achievement as an 8-time Olympic coach with numerous podium successes. In 1994, Craig coached the US Men’s Pursuit Team to an historic first ever World Championship medal. He led the U.S. Paralympic Team to win the cycling nations medal count at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and was awarded Team USA's highest coaching recognition award, the Order of Ikkos, as well as coaching athletes to Olympic medals for Canada (Rio 2016) and Japan (Tokyo 2020). Craig has a critical eye for high performance environments and athlete development using a blend of hard earned practical experience and acumen to develop world class programming for sustained competitive excellence. Prior to his first national coaching job with USA Cycling in 1990, Craig competed for Team New Zealand on both the road and track teams. Craig is thrilled to be back in Colorado Springs with his family and is looking forward to the challenge of improving upon the international successes of USA Cycling’s track program.

      CONTACT
      Jono Hailstone
      Jono
      Hailstone
      Men's Endurance Track National Team Coach
      Background

      Jono Hailstone, a seasoned cycling coach since 2010, began his career with the New Zealand Junior Men’s road team, achieving notable successes at international events. He later transitioned to the New Zealand Para-Cycling program, earning medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and leading athletes to multiple World Championship titles throughout the years.

      Jono then worked with the Women’s Endurance program at Cycling New Zealand before taking the opportunity to be the head coach for Cycling Canada’s Men’s Endurance team. He secured achievements such as a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and qualified the first Canadian Men’s Team Pursuit to the Olympics in 45 years. Notably, the team recorded their best result in 89 years at the Tokyo Olympics.

      In 2023, he joined USA Cycling to take on a similar mission: creating an Olympic-caliber Men’s Endurance program for Team USA.

      CONTACT
      Jim Miller Bio 4
      Jim
      Miller
      Chief of Sport Performance
      Background

      A successful professional cyclist in his own right, Jim coached several cyclists on the side and eventually retired from racing in 1999 to focus solely on his flourishing coaching career. After developing several notable cyclists, he originally came to USA Cycling to run the women’s road program in 2002. After earning Coach of the Year distinctions from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2003 & 2004, Jim was promoted to director of endurance programs, overseeing the development of American junior, U23, and women endurance athletes in road and track cycling. After making significant strides toward the USA Cycling National Development Program’s goal of developing the next generation of American cyclists, he was named Vice President of Athletics in 2010. In 2017, Jim left USA Cycling to become the Vice President of Business Development for Training Peaks. Unable to resist the Olympic call, he returned to USA Cycling in 2020 as the Chief of Sport Performance. He has earned the International Olympic Committee’s highest honor for coaches, the Order of Ikkos, three times, all for coaching 3-time Olympic Champion Kristen Armstrong to victory.

      CONTACT
      Robert Mayfield
      Robert
      Mayfield
      COS Velodrome Community Program Coordinator
      Background

      Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri; Robert dove head first into racing at the Penrose Park Velodrome. His love for competition and the people at the track made him commit full-time to reaching his own potential and helping other riders reach theirs. After eventually relocating to Colorado Springs, CO, Robert was given the opportunity to work with high performance programs and the local cycling community at the historic Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome.

      CONTACT
      23 Track Donate 1440x500

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