The UCI Track World Cup represents the highest level of international track cycling competition outside of the World Championships and Olympic Games. This prestigious series brings together the world’s fastest track cyclists across multiple venues, with riders competing for individual event victories and overall series standings throughout the season.
The World Cup Format
The UCI Track World Cup visits several velodromes around the world during each season, with each round featuring the full program of Olympic track events. Points earned at each round contribute to overall series standings, creating season-long competitions alongside individual event victories. Nations send their strongest riders to accumulate Olympic qualification points and establish dominance in their specialist events.
2025 Season Venues
The 2025 Track World Cup calendar features stops at world-class velodromes across multiple continents. Traditional European venues with rich track cycling history host alongside newer facilities in growing markets. Each velodrome brings its own character – from altitude advantages to crowd atmosphere – affecting racing strategies and performance.
Sprint Events
The sprint disciplines showcase explosive power and tactical racing at the highest level. The individual sprint sees two riders compete head-to-head over three laps, with cat-and-mouse tactics often proving as important as raw speed. Team sprints require perfect coordination between three riders, each taking turns at the front before peeling off. The keirin combines motor-paced buildup with a chaotic final sprint.
Keirin Racing
The keirin, originating in Japan where it remains a professional gambling sport, has become an Olympic discipline and World Cup highlight. Riders follow a motorized derny that gradually increases speed before pulling off with two and a half laps remaining, triggering an explosive final sprint. Positioning behind the derny and timing the move for the front prove crucial to success.
Endurance Events
Track endurance events test different aspects of riders’ abilities over longer distances. The individual pursuit sees two riders start on opposite sides of the track, racing against each other and the clock over four kilometers for men and three for women. The team pursuit features four riders working together in perfect aerodynamic formation. The scratch race and points race add tactical complexity to endurance racing.
The Madison
The madison represents track cycling’s most spectacular and chaotic event. Two-rider teams take turns racing while their partner recovers high on the track banking. Exchanges – where riders sling their partners into the race – create constant movement and drama. Points sprints throughout the race, plus a lap-gaining premium, make for unpredictable and exciting competition.
How to Watch
Track World Cup events receive extensive broadcast coverage, with many rounds available on cycling-specific streaming platforms and national broadcasters in countries with strong track programs. Social media provides real-time updates and highlights, while official UCI channels offer comprehensive coverage of all events.
Venue Atmosphere
Attending Track World Cup events in person offers an incredible spectator experience. The intimate setting of a velodrome means fans sit close to the action, feeling the speed as riders pass by. The constant racing throughout each session maintains excitement, with multiple events running sequentially over several days.
Olympic Qualification
Track World Cup results contribute significantly to Olympic qualification rankings. Nations need strong performances across multiple rounds to secure quota spots for the Games, adding extra intensity to every race. This system rewards consistent excellence rather than single breakthrough performances.
The UCI Track World Cup delivers thrilling racing throughout the season, showcasing the speed, power, and tactical intelligence that define track cycling at the highest level.
