The development of track cycling began in the early 19th century with formal competitions. The first UCI Track Cycling World Championships were held in 1895. Track cycling events can be divided into two categories: speed events and endurance events. Speed events include the men’s 1 km time trial, women’s 500 m time trial, sprint, and keirin. Endurance events include the men’s 4 km individual pursuit, women’s 3 km individual pursuit, team pursuit, elimination race, points race, omnium, and madison. The number of track cycling events and medals is far greater than that of road cycling and mountain biking.

On the other hand, the structure of the bicycles used in track cycling is different from that of regular bicycles. Track bicycles do not have brakes, and the transmission system does not have a freewheel or gears. The rear wheel only has a fixed gear (sprocket).

Track cycling events not only test athletes’ speed and explosive power but also heavily rely on individual technique and tactical skills. Compared to road and mountain biking, track cycling events are less outdoorsy because all events take place in an indoor velodrome. The various track cycling events have been dominated by Western countries such as Germany, the United States, and Australia. In the Asian region, Japan and South Korea are the strongest in track cycling.