Madison (cycling)

The Madison is an event in track cycling, named after the Madison Square Garden in New York, and known as the "American race" in French (l'Américaine).

The race format is a variation of the points race. Teams of two or three compete, but only one rider needs to be racing at any stage. Periodically, the teams change riders by "tagging" their teammates, usually performing slingshot action with linked hands to transfer as much of their momentum as possible to the racing rider. The teammate then moves to the top of the circular banked track and coasts while he recovers for his next stint.

Team pairs are ranked according to laps gained or lost on their opposition and by points obtained by performing well in sprints which occur periodically during the race and are signalled by a bell on the preceding lap.