Hey, In the olympics especially, they have these Cycling Sprintshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_(cycling) where both opponents start of really slowly, and theres lots of tactics involved in getting the other to go first. But...whats the point? Why not just go fast from the start :S? The reason Wikipedia gives is that the race only starts on the last 200 meters of the 1000m track, and also that it's an advantage being behind your opponent due to the slipstream making it easier. Still..surely that doesn't nearly weigh up to how you could go from the start..and the slipstream thing will only allow you to go fast when you're second. I don't get it ? Is it because of 1000m being too far to cycle flat out? -Hecky.
I've been watching it too. I've never really paid much attention to indoor cycling (since it's for sissies )... but it's actually a pretty cool event. I don't really understand the rules or tactics (and can't be bothered to read up on them - wiki says only the last 200m is timed... I didn't read any further) - but I love the cat and mouse stuff that goes on at the start. It's insane when they finally give it the beans. It's one of the best events that I've seen this Olympics (along with the Japanese women's volleyball team doing their thing )