What is a tempo race?
A · Advanced · The bunch races · 2 of 2A points race with a sprint on every lap. After the first four laps, the first rider across the line each lap scores one point, and nobody else scores. Gaining a lap on the field is worth 20 points and losing one costs 20. The highest total wins.
How it works
- The event: placings decided by points from sprints and from taking laps.
- When scoring starts: "After the first 4 laps, sprints shall be conducted every lap."
- The points: "The first rider in each sprint shall be awarded 1 point, including for the final sprint."
- Laps: plus 20 for a lap gained, minus 20 for a lap lost.
- Everything else: the rules of the points race apply.
- The start: a flying start after a neutralised lap ridden in a compact group.
- In the omnium: the second of the four events. A rider who loses two laps is withdrawn and loses 40 points in the omnium.
- A stopped race: restarted with five laps added to the number remaining, and again four laps before scoring resumes.
- If it cannot be restarted: the race is completely rerun.
The glossary has the tempo race, the points race, gaining and losing a lap and the omnium.
Tricky cases
Does the second rider across the line each lap score anything?
No. Only the first rider scores, and only one point.
Is the final sprint worth double, as in the points race?
No. The first rider scores one point, "including for the final sprint".
A rider leads over the line on each of the first four laps. How many points is that?
None. Sprints begin after the first four laps.
A rider wins ten laps and another gains a lap without winning any. Who is ahead?
The rider who gained the lap, with 20 points to 10.
Why the rule exists
With a point on offer every lap and only for first place, sitting in the bunch earns nothing. The format rewards a rider who goes clear and stays clear, so the race is ridden hard from the fifth lap to the end, which is where the name comes from.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo race | One point a lap, first rider only | UCI 3.2.262 |
| Points race | 5, 3, 2 and 1 every ten laps, final sprint doubled | UCI 3.2.118 |
| In the omnium | Losing two laps means withdrawal and minus 40 points | UCI 3.2.251 bis |
From the rule book
Union Cycliste Internationale, Cycling Regulations, Part 3: Track Races (amendments applying 1 January 2026), articles 3.2.251 bis and 3.2.259 to 3.2.265. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UCI Cycling Regulations, Part 3 (PDF).