Last updated 27,April,2005

A madison is a 2-person relay race on the track / velodrome. The name derives from where the race was first run; in front of enthusiastic crowds in New York's Madison Square Gardens. The french name for the madison is "Americain" - another indication of its origins.

Basically, the madison is a massed-start race for teams of 2 riders. Whilst one rider is in the race, the other circles slowly at the top of the track to regain his breath. At the changeover, the racing rider grasps the hand of the resting rider, who has dropped into the race area and is holding his right hand behind him. As contact is made, the momentum of the racing rider is transferred to the resting rider via the 'handsling' changeover. The skill levels involved in madison racing are incredibly high - riders have to be aware of where their partner is, whether it is safe to change and also race strategically in order to gain points in the sprints which occur at regular intervals during the race.

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