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TRACK EVENTS
-- POINTS RACE
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Introduction
Chris Newton goes the long way around at Stuttgart to win some
points in a race he was leading for much of the event.Worlds,
2003.
BRITISH HONOURS
2002 World Champion: Chris
Newton (above)
2003 British Mens Champion: Russell Downing
2003 British Womens Champion: Emma Davies
The basic idea is that the race is decided by a series of �sprints�
after which points are awarded for the first 3-4 riders across
the line. The rules seem to change every week for a rider or riders
lapping the field -- sometimes they are awarded bonus points,
other times they are considered to be a lap up & leading the race.
The race commissaire (referee in other words) will no doubt let
you know if you're unsure.
Race distances vary but as an endurance event it will be a substanial
number of laps. If you have any doubts about the rules, ask before
the race starts!
The Points race for spectators is however one of the more chaotic
events to follow. It is though exciting because a large group
of riders given the task of scoring as many points as they can
in the mid race sprints means that the event will never be dull.
Well, almost never!
The rider at the end with the most points is the winner. Which
means that the first rider across the line at the end is not necessarily
the victor of the race! The key is to keep an eye on the scoreboard
and keep track of who is scoring what and then at the end, you'll
have a clue as to who is actually winning the bike race.
2003 Worlds and Chris Newton is defending his
title well, but lost ground towards the end to finish 4th.
Russell Williams, a multi World Masters Champion in the event,
told me once that its like a game of chess on wheels. Riders have
to make their efforts at the right time to not only score points,
but also be there when a group gets away and takes a lap. A feat
which (can) earn each rider heaps of points and helps put them
in the box seat. When Great Britain's Chris Newton won the Gold
in the 2002 Worlds, he took no less than three laps and in 2004,
was leading for much of the race.
A good points rider has to have the strength from the road (as
Chris does) to maintain the pace for a long time. You also need
to be speed work as well and the ability to recover quickly from
maximum efforts. Riders normally prepare by riding the road and
then four weeks (or less) before, start doing some track work
for speed. Things like the Russian steps (sickening hard intervals)
and so on.
A great line up of champions in the Points race at the Good
Friday meeting, Herne Hill (London).
And the winner is! The rider with the most points at
the end of the race. Keep your eye on the scoreboard and tally
up the points!
Althought not first over the line in the Invitation
Points race at the National Championships 2003, Chris Newton has
the best points tally and can't be beaten so he raises his arm
during the final sprint.
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