🏁 Points Race

What is Points Race?

The Points Race is one of the most demanding and tactically diverse disciplines in track cycling. In this endurance competition on the velodrome, the goal is to collect the most points over a specified distance. The special feature: points are awarded not only at the final sprint, but also at regular intermediate sprints during the race.

Characteristics of Points Race

• Distance: Men ride 40 km (160 laps on a 250m track), women 25 km (100 laps)
• Duration: Typically 40-60 minutes
• Participants: Up to 24 riders simultaneously on the track
• Special feature: Combination of sprint ability and tactical skill
• Olympic: Since 1900 (men), since 1996 (women)

History and Development

Points race is one of the most traditional disciplines in track cycling. Its roots date back to the early days of organized cycling.

Milestones

Evolution of Rules

Over the decades, the rules have been adjusted several times to make the race more exciting and fairer:

• Earlier: Simpler points system with fewer intermediate sprints
• Today: Tighter scoring system with lap gain bonus
• Change: Introduction of lap premium as decisive factor

Rules and Procedure

Basic Rulebook

Points race follows clear UCI guidelines that are binding for all international competitions:

1. Starting Procedure

• All riders start simultaneously from standing position
• Start line: Finish line of the track
• Neutral introduction lap possible (depending on regulations)

2. Race Course

• Intermediate sprints every 10 laps (on 250m tracks)
• Riders may gain laps on the field
• Lapped riders remain in the race

3. Lap Gain

• Riders who lap the main field receive 20 bonus points
• Those who lose a lap receive 20 minus points
• Lap count is more decisive than points total in case of tie

Important Conduct Rules

Points Allocation System

The heart of points race is the sophisticated points system that equally rewards sprint abilities and tactical skill.

Intermediate Sprint Scoring

At each intermediate sprint (every 10 laps) points are awarded to the first four riders:

Final Sprint (last sprint / finish line)

The final sprint at the end of the race is scored double:

Special Case: Lap Bonus

The most valuable way to gain points is lapping the field:

Ranking in case of equal points:

1. 1st criterion: Number of laps gained (most decisive)
2. 2nd criterion: Total points
3. 3rd criterion: Position in final sprint
4. 4th criterion: Position in last but one sprint

Tactics and Strategy

Points race requires sophisticated tactical thinking. There are various approaches to victory:

Basic Tactical Approaches

1. The Sprint Specialist

• Strategy: Focus on consistent sprint placements
• Advantage: Collects safe points at every sprint
• Disadvantage: Requires high energy expenditure throughout
• Suitable for: Riders with strong sprint and good endurance

2. The Lap Hunter

• Strategy: Early attempt to gain a lap, then save energy
• Advantage: 20 points at once, can ride conservatively afterwards
• Disadvantage: Extremely demanding physically, high risk
• Suitable for: Riders with excellent endurance and tactical courage

3. The Opportunist

• Strategy: Conserve energy, use selective attacks
• Advantage: Fresh for decisive moments
• Disadvantage: Can fall too far behind in points
• Suitable for: Experienced riders with excellent race reading

4. The Team Player

• Strategy: Cooperate with teammates, control race
• Advantage: Shared work, better chances
• Disadvantage: Depends on team performance
• Suitable for: Strong national teams or trade teams

Advanced Tactical Elements

Timing of Attacks

• Early phase (first third): Usually few decisive actions, feel out competition
• Middle phase: Best time for lap attempts, field still fresh enough to cooperate
• Final phase: Focus on sprint positions, energy management decisive

Reading the Race

• Constantly observe competition: Who is strong? Who is tired?
• Identify dangerous rivals and mark them
• Recognize when a breakaway group has real chances
• Know when to invest and when to save

Cooperation and Alliances

• Temporary alliances to gain laps
• Shared work in breakaway groups
• Tactical blocking of competitors
• Attention: Alliances are fragile and often short-lived

Physical Requirements

Points race requires a unique combination of physiological capabilities.

Key Physical Abilities

Typical Performance Profile

Elite Points Race Rider (Men):

• VO2max: 75-85 ml/kg/min
• FTP: 5.0-5.5 W/kg
• Peak Sprint Power: 1500-1800 Watts
• 60-min Power: 400-450 Watts
• Weight: 70-78 kg

Elite Points Race Rider (Women):

• VO2max: 70-80 ml/kg/min
• FTP: 4.5-5.0 W/kg
• Peak Sprint Power: 1100-1300 Watts
• 60-min Power: 300-340 Watts
• Weight: 58-65 kg

Equipment and Material

The right equipment can make the difference between victory and defeat in points race.

The Track Bike

Key Features:

• Frame: Lightweight carbon, optimized for stiffness and aerodynamics
• Wheels: Deep-section carbon wheels (50-80mm), tubular or clincher tires
• Crankset: Stiff, typically 52-56 teeth chainring
• Gearing: Fixed gear (no freewheel), typically 52/15 to 54/14
• Handlebars: Drop bars with pursuit extensions
• Saddle: Lightweight, often with carbon rails
• Pedals: Look, Shimano or Speedplay clipless pedals

Differences to Road Bike

Personal Equipment

Checklist: Competition Equipment

• Helmet: Aerodynamic time trial helmet with good ventilation
• Jersey: Skin-tight, aerodynamic, team-compliant
• Shorts: High-quality padding for long race duration
• Shoes: Stiff track cycling shoes with firm binding
• Gloves: Optional, usually without for better feel
• Glasses: Protection from draft and insects
• Skin Suit: At important competitions for maximum aerodynamics

Successful Points Race Riders

Some athletes have made themselves unforgettable through outstanding performances in points race.

Legendary Points Race Riders

Joan Llaneras (Spain)

• 2x Olympic Champion (2004, 2008)
• 5x World Champion
• Master of tactical discipline

Cameron Meyer (Australia)

• Multiple World Champion
• Known for aggressive riding style
• Specialist for lap gains

Sarah Hammer (USA)

• Dominant rider of the 2010s
• Multiple World Champion
• Success also in omnium

Katie Archibald (Great Britain)

• Olympic Champion 2016 (in madison)
• World Champion points race
• Complete track cycling all-rounder

Success Secrets of Top Riders

1. Exceptional Energy Management: Know exactly when to invest
2. Tactical Brilliance: Read the race and anticipate developments
3. Versatility: Can sprint AND show endurance
4. Mental Strength: Stay focused even under pressure

Training and Preparation

Preparing for points race requires balanced training of various abilities.

Training Modules

1. Endurance Training

• Long base rides (2-4 hours)
• Tempo rides at threshold
• Intervals at VO2max level
• Goal: Base for 40-60 minutes race intensity

2. Sprint Training

• Repeated sprints from various speeds
• Sprint power on climbs
• Maximum power sprints with recovery breaks
• Goal: Explosiveness for intermediate sprints

3. Tactical Training

• Simulated points races in training
• Positioning exercises
• Group tactical training
• Goal: Develop race intelligence

4. Specific Track Training

• Regular track sessions
• Cornering technique
• Surfing in the bunch
• Goal: Track safety and efficiency

Example Training Week (Competition Preparation)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The 7 Most Common Mistakes in Points Race

1. Too Passive Racing

• ❌ Mistake: Hiding in bunch and waiting for final sprint
• ✅ Solution: Actively collect points, set own accents

2. Wrong Energy Distribution

• ❌ Mistake: Too hard in first sprints, then collapse
• ✅ Solution: Even effort, strategic sprint selection

3. Poor Positioning

• ❌ Mistake: Too far back in bunch before sprints
• ✅ Solution: Move forward in time (2-3 laps before)

4. Isolation in Breakaway Attempts

• ❌ Mistake: Trying to gain a lap alone
• ✅ Solution: Cooperate with others, form groups

5. Ignoring Competition

• ❌ Mistake: Execute own tactics without watching others
• ✅ Solution: Constantly observe situation and competition

6. Technical Deficiencies

• ❌ Mistake: Unsafe cornering, inefficient drafting
• ✅ Solution: Regular track training, technique focus

7. Lack of Race Intelligence

• ❌ Mistake: Not knowing when important moments are
• ✅ Solution: Gain much race experience, analyze videos