This is a great introduction to track racing provided by Cycling Queensland.

Types of Track Racing

Sprint Racing: This event is a race between 2 riders (one on one) over 3 laps of a velodrome. Riders play a tactical game of “cat & mouse” over the first couple of laps in an attempt to keep the actual sprint down to 200m – 300m.

Time Trial: This is an individual race against the clock over 500m-1000m

scratch Race: The scratch race is a massed start event varying in length from 5-20km

Derby: A sprint which may include more then two people, race distance is determined by officials and promoters depending on division and track distances

Keirin: 6-8 people in a race riding behind a derny (motorbike with pedals), riders do a lead up behind the bike for a certain number of laps to bring them up to speed and then with two laps to go the bike leaves the track and athletes sprint to the finish

Points Score Race: Riders accumulate points through a series of sprints during the race at designated laps. The race distance varies from 5km – 40km depending on the competition and age categories.

Individual Pursuit: Two riders start at opposite sides of the track and attempt to catch one another and to record the best time they can. The pursuit is held over distances from 2000m-4000m.

Teams Pursuit: Same as the individual pursuit but raced in teams of four. Through the advantages obtained from riding directly (sitting-on/drafting) behind another rider and with each team rider doing turns of pace at the front, a team will travel faster than an individual. The teams time is based on the third rider to cross the finish line.

Madison: A Madison is a track event where two riders (one racing at a time) compete as a team. Similar to a relay but the riders make multiple changes throughout the event which can run from 30mins to 2 hours.

EQUIPMENT

A track bike has just one gear and the pedaling is Fixed (no free-wheeling). Placing pressure on the pedals backwards reduces speed, no handbrakes are permitted on the bike. Gear selection depends on age, ability and type of event. 

TRACK SKILL REQUIREMENT


Below is a summary of skills specially required for Track Cycling.

Riding a "fixed wheel" track bike: As mentioned earlier a track bike uses a “fixed wheel system”, for this reason it takes a little getting used to. With the fixed wheel system, stopping is achieved by placing pressure backwards on the pedals which reduces speed gradually. The fixed wheel system takes far more time and effort than a bike with hand brakes. It’s important to train on a track or velodrome before competing, seek advice of a track coach before starting out.

Riding a Velodrome/Track: Velodromes in Australia vary in length from 250m – 500m, the smaller the track the greater the banking that is required on the bends. Banking on a velodrome can be as steep as 45 degrees. Given these facts, an important track cycling skill is to be able to Ride on a velodrome safely and in control. Short steep velodromes at speed can be easier to ride than longer flatter tracks, neither of which are that difficult to ride but do require a little coaching guidance, practice and confidence.

Turns of Pace and Bunch Riding: Turns of pace and bunch etiquette vary slightly for Track events. Turns are done by using the banking of the velodrome. Riders “swing” / “ride” up the bank to allow the next rider in the bunch to take their Turn at the front. Track bunches are usually single file for the majority of a race. Towards the end of a Track race the bunch will “fan out” with cyclists riding up to 5 abreast as they race to the finish line.

Source: http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/default.asp?id=10881