Scratch and Elimination Races

Introduction: Two Classic Mass-Start Disciplines

Scratch and elimination races are among the oldest and most spectacular formats in track cycling. Both disciplines start as a mass start on the track – all riders begin simultaneously and fight for the best placing. The decisive difference lies in the objective: In the scratch, only the order across the finish line at the end of the race distance counts. In the elimination race (international: Elimination Race, colloquially also Devil or Miss and Out), the last rider each lap is removed from the race at fixed intervals until only one winner remains.

These two formats shape the character of many track competitions – from local club races to the Track World Championships. They are also a fixed part of the Omnium and require not only raw power but above all positioning, timing and tactical intelligence on the UCI Standard Oval.

Scratch: The Pure Mass-Start Race

Rules and Distances

In a scratch race, all participants start simultaneously. There are no intermediate sprints, no points and no eliminations during the race. What matters is solely the order when crossing the finish line after completing the prescribed distance.

Typical distances at UCI competitions:

The course layout follows the standardized 250-meter oval. Riders must comply with track rules and positioning; violations such as blocking the fast lane can result in disqualification.

Tactics in Scratch

Scratch races often appear from the outside like "simple riding around" – in fact, the tactics are highly complex:

1. Early phase (laps 1–20): The field establishes a common pace. Riders save energy in the slipstream and observe competitors. Early attacks are rarely successful but can test weaker riders.
2. Middle phase (laps 21–45): This is where it is decided whether the race stays calm or breaks up. Powerful riders try to split the field; sprinters keep the pace high enough to prevent overtaking maneuvers.
3. Final phase (last 5–10 laps): Positioning becomes decisive. Anyone too far back loses contact in the final sprint. The top positions (top 3–5) are worth their weight in gold.

Typical Race Scenarios

• High-pace sprint race: The field rides fast from the start; sprinters dominate, breakaway riders have little chance.
• Breakaway race: A small group gets away; the main field hesitates with the chase – often followed by gripping catch-up drama.
• Fragmented field: Multiple attacks split the peloton; endurance and awareness decide the victory.

Elimination Race: Every Lap Counts

Basic Principle and Rules

In the elimination race, the rule is: After each lap, the last rider is eliminated, measured at the finish line. The race ends when only one rider remains – or at UCI competitions, when the last two or three riders compete against each other in the final sprint.

Key rule characteristics:

• Mass start like in scratch, but then permanently high intensity
• Elimination occurs every full lap (250 m on standard track)
• In case of a tie at the line, a Finish Camera decides
• Riders who are one lap down are not automatically eliminated – what matters is the position at the finish line per lap
• After elimination, riders leave the track via the inner lane and may no longer influence the race

Special Features and Tactical Nuances

The elimination race is tactically more ruthless than scratch, because each individual lap represents a mini-decision:

1. No hiding: Anyone settling at the back of the field risks elimination every lap.
2. Pace control: Strong riders set a high pace to eliminate weaker competitors early.
3. Blocking tactics: Occasionally riders try to slow opponents through lateral movements – commissaires monitor this strictly according to velodrome rules.
4. Final laps: When only a few riders remain in the race, tactics change: suddenly sprint speed matters more than endurance.

Comparison: Scratch vs. Elimination Race

Role in the Omnium and Competition Calendar

Since the UCI omnium reform, scratch and elimination have been a fixed part of the multi-event scoring. Unlike the points race or the individual pursuit, there are no intermediate sprints or time trials here – only placings.

The omnium scoring for both disciplines follows the classic model:

• Place 1: 40 points
• Place 2: 38 points
• Down to place 20 (1 point)

Omnium Day: Discipline Schedule

1. The elimination race often takes place before the scratch – riders must manage their tactics to score points in both disciplines.
2. Anyone eliminated early in the elimination can still catch up in the scratch – and vice versa.
3. Overall omnium winners are often riders who do not dominate any single discipline but consistently finish in the top 5 in both scratch and elimination.

Physical Demands and Equipment

Both disciplines place high demands on anaerobic capacity, sprint power and tactical endurance. Unlike the individual pursuit, there is no pacing strategy over a fixed time – the pace is dictated by the field.

For scratch and elimination, the same equipment requirements apply as for all track races:

• Fixed gear on track bike without freewheel
• Typical gearing: 90–104 inches (depending on track and rider profile)
• Aerodynamic helmets and close-fitting jerseys for minimal air resistance

Energy Systems Compared

Training and Preparation

Training Components for Scratch

1. Long track interval sessions: 40–60 laps at steady pace with simulated final sprint in the last 5 laps.
2. Group riding: Training in the peloton on the track to perfect positioning and slipstream use.
3. Sprint follow-ups: After 30 minutes of endurance load, several 200-m sprints – simulates the scratch final.
4. Tactical briefings: Video analysis of world championship races; recognize patterns in attacks and field reactions.

Training Components for Elimination Races

1. Elimination simulations: Training groups with deliberately varying pace; last rider each lap must complete an extra sprint.
2. Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA): 6–8 sprints of 15 seconds with 45 seconds rest – trains the ability to go full gas lap after lap.
3. Position training: Exercises where riders must work from the back to the front without overheating the field.
4. Mental training: Visualize each lap as an individual decision; build stress resistance under sustained load.

Checklist: Preparation for Scratch or Elimination

Notable Riders and Defining Moments

Historically, riders like Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish (in early track years) and Elia Viviani have impressed with dominant scratch performances in the omnium. In the elimination race, riders with a pursuit background often shine – explosive acceleration combined with a high pain threshold.

Spectacular elimination finals with only two remaining riders overtaking each other in every corner are among the most emotional moments of any track world championship. In scratch, it is often long-built attacks and gripping chases that captivate the audience.

Related Topics

• Track Cycling – Overview of All Disciplines
• Omnium – Multi-Event Scoring on the Track
• Velodrome and Track Rules
• Points Race – Tactics and Scoring System
• Track World Championships – World Championships on the Velodrome

Last updated: July 3, 2026