Prior to the start of the 2012–13 season the women's event was competed over a distance of 3 km, by a team of 3 riders.
[1][2] As with the individual pursuit, the objective is to cover the distance in the fastest time or to catch and overtake the other team in a final.
Riders in a team follow each other closely in line, drafting to minimize total drag, and periodically the lead rider (who works the hardest) peels off the front, swings up the track banking and rejoins the team at the rear.
The position of the third rider is pivotal because final times are measured as the third team member's front wheel crosses the finishing line.
This allows their teammates to briefly recover behind them before they make a final three-person acceleration towards the finish line.