Points race

In addition to the sprints, any riders managing to lap the main field are awarded an extra 20 points.

Some riders may sit back in the main bunch conserving energy, only attacking for the sprints to gain points.

The most common breakaways seen in the points race are groups of two to five riders, sharing the work to enable them to gain a lap.

Although it is a difficult feat to gain the lap on your own, it is not uncommon for the top riders to be able to do this in order to win the race.

At the World Cup Classics meetings two heats usually take place to decide qualification for the final.