Gurney ( Common Wealth Games )

[Bazile]

What is the point of this gurney (or whatever you call it ) in some of the cycling races

Why not blow just blow the whistle , and off you go and the riders determine how fast or slow they want to go ?

Why this slow bit at the start and then a sprint ?

Strange , some of these categories

[goodgoalie]

It's a derny, Baz. Explained here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derny

[sunny-dave]

"Derny"

As I understand it, no-one ever wants to be the rider to 'lead out' the sprint - there is a significant disadvantage to doing so. This can lead to some very silly 'races' where everyone just goes slower and slower to try to avoid being forced to lead at the critical time.

Using the powered bike as a pacemaker means that the entire pack is delivered to the start of the sprint at a pre-determined speed and then can fight it out amongst themselves.

[Bazile]

Yes I could have looked up the spelling . However I deliberately didn't even though I knew it was incorrect

Anyway why don't just have the sprint from the off without tagging on this slow bit at the start
I don't see what it adds to the race

[New Judge]

The race is actually called the “Keirin”. “Derney” is the name of the type of motor cycle used for pacing purposes.

Competitive cycling s riddled with daft ideas. If you think e Keirin is barmy, wait until you see the Madison. At the end of that few people (including the competitors) have any idea who has won.

[Cloverjo]

Similarly, with the points and scratch races. With so many competitors and so many laps, I don't know how the judges keep track of where anyone is.

I love watching the track cycling. Especially, the team pursuit. A show of beauty when it goes right. Like Ronnie O'Sullivan completing a 147.

[ToraToraTora]

because they used to play silly bu66ers for most of the race.

This is a 2 man sprint but the same would happen in the Kierin etc if they didn't have the pizza delivery guy.

[ToraToraTora]

it was quite bizarre and to add to that one of the rules were they were not allowed to go backwards!

[Cloverjo]

Imagine if they did that in sprint running? Everyone strolling and stopping, watching each other until one suddenly decides to go for it over the last 20 metres.

[Bazile]

The answer is simple
Have a rule which says you can't go below a certain speed per lap / minimum lap time

That would stop all that silliness.

[Cloverjo]

I like the pizza deliverer analogy. In one newspaper article I read, he was described as a village vicar on a moped.

[Cloverjo]

I think there is a rule about the length of time you can still on a bike. The competitors are warned to get on with it when they approach that time.

[Cloverjo]

A fairly recent rule, I mean.

[THECORBYLOON]

For the sprint races, the rules say,

"A maximum of two standstills shall be permitted for each race. The maximum period for a standstill shall be 30 seconds following which, the leading rider shall be directed by the starter to continue. If he fails to do so, the starter shall stop the race and declare the other rider the winner of the heat."

[Khandro]

//Why this slow bit at the start and then a sprint ?//
Because it is advantageous to be behind the leader nearing the end of the race so that the bank of the track can be used to swoop down and overtake for the sprint to the finish.

[jourdain2]

I've given up watching cycling. Don't understand all the rules and it all seems to spoil a straightforward race.

[Bazile]

Yes khandro , I know that
But why have a race of that nature at the start ?

[1ozzy]

Your title had me thinking Gurning had become a Commonwealth sport.

I'm disappointed ;-(

[johnny.5]

there's no need to turn your nose up ozzie