For the first 800m the cyclists circle the track, carefully manoeuvring for positions, usually trying to avoid taking the lead, so that they can take advantage of the slipstream created by the leader. They then sprint to the finish. The times are usually only taken for the final 200m.

Current rules provide for qualifying rounds to be held as the time trial 200m with a flying start. Racers are then seeded and based on times and a the tournament begins. The winners of the opening races advance to a round of 16; the losers go on to a 2^nd chance round. Also, the 2^nd chance round is a round of 16.

Since 1928, there have been separate races held to determine first place and third place. Since 1976, all 4 defeated in the quarterfinals have raced off for fifth to eighth place.

Competitors take turns racing against the clock from a standing start.

Two cyclists or teams start on opposite sides of the track. If one cyclist catches the other, the race is over. Otherwise the winner that is first to cross the finish line wins. The two cyclists or teams take part for first place and two in a race for third place.

For this reason, the time for third to eighth place are often faster than those for first and second. Places 5^th to 8^th are determined by times recorded in the quarterfinals or the distance covered before being overtaken.

The race is run over 40km. The race ends when the first rider completes the course. The winner is chosen from among those who are on the same lap as the first finisher. Points are awarded for sprints that take place every 2km - basically 20 races within the one race. The winner of the sprint gains 5 points, 2^nd place 3 points, 3^rd place 2 points and 4^th place 1 point.

Double points are awarded for the final sprit. If a rider is lapped they get no points. If a rider is lapped twice they are eliminated from the race.

This ace is on the road against the clock. The rider starts at one and half-minute intervals. The men's course may vary from 45 to 55km. The riders begin on a launching ramp, where they are held by a race official, and they are then released. The same officials hold and release all entrants.

Cross-country is run on forest roads, fields, earth and gravel paths. Paved and tarred roads cannot exceed 15% of the total course. The riders start as a mass and the first rider cross the finish line is the winner. All dangerous obstacles on the course are preceded by warning signs 30 m in advance.

Cycling was introduced to the Olympics in 1896. It will be held in the Dunc Gray Velodrome, Fairfield City Farm, and the cycling road coarse. Mountain bike and track racing will take place in Sydney's West and road racing will take place in Sydney's East.

Cycling:Top 5 Countries

	Male			Female
Country	G	S	B	G	S	B	Total
France	27	15	21	-	1	-	64
Italy	38	15	6	-	-	-	49
Great Britain	9	21	19	-	-	-	49
Unites States	10	9	13	1	1	2	36
Romania	8	13	4	1	-	2	28