Summer Olympic Sports: Cycling

Cycling has been a part of the modern Olympic games since their inception in 1896. Originally the competition was for men only, but women’s cycling was added in 1988. There are seven men’s and three women’s events in track (indoor) cycling (illustrated above) and two events each in road cycling. In addition there is a men’s and women’s cross country mountain bike competition and new in 2008, a men’s and women’s BMX event.
The track cycling events in Beijing will be held August 15 – 19 at the Loashan Velodrome.
(photo © Newscom)