Cycling

Sport cycling involves the racing of bicycles – either on a track or on outdoor terrain, with different variations suiting different styles of racer. Some racers will also compete over a multitude of different formats, known as an omnium.
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What is cycling?

Track cycling is predominately held in specially built banked tracks, known as velodromes. There are different types of races – including a straight sprint, or more complex variations that involve catching up to or overtaking an opponent within a set time.

One of the most popular Olympic track cycling events, the omnium, involves six races: a scratch race (first to finish), an individual pursuit, an elimination race, a time trial, a flying lap against the clock, and a points race, where points are awarded based on a rider's performance during each lap.

Road cycling is the more traditional format. Races are usually over much longer distances and are a test of stamina as much as they are speed and skill. In recent years, the Olympic Games have also included a BMX race over a short and challenging track.

Find out more about how to run cycling formats.

    Equipment needed

    • Cones
    • Age-suitable bikes
    • Suitable outdoor space (e.g. playing field)

    Get involved

    The School Games is inclusive to all young people and provides opportunities for everyone to get involved, either within school, against other local schools, or at county or regional level.

    School Games Organisers

    School Games Organisers (SGO) help schools coordinate appropriate competitive opportunities for all young people from Key Stage 2-4, to recruit, train and deploy a suitable workforce, and to support the development of club.

    Sign up to find your local SGO

    School Games formats

    Learn more about the School Games formats suitable for cycling competitions:

    PDF

    Cycling Primary Challenge

    Go-Ride series: Run, Skills, Circuit Relay
    PDF

    Cycling Primary Competition

    Go-Ride Skills & Racing
    PDF

    Cycling Secondary Competition

    Go-Ride series: Team Pursuit, Relay, Run
    PDF

    Why Cycling?

    Go-Ride series: Run, Skills, Team Pursuit

    Quick and easy cycling activity resources

    Be it 10-minute or lesson-length activities, we have a range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities to encourage young people to stay active throughout the day.

    Cycling: GO Ride Fun Team Challenges

    GO Ride Challenges involve a series of team activities which incorporate cycling confidence, skill development, bike/run and circuit relays…

    Duration:

    30mins or more

    Equipment:

    Sport-specific

    Key stage:

    Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2
    See all resources