How to play
Track cycling uses the same classes as road cycling, and stages 18 events: 10 for men, seven for women and one mixed. Athletes are split into 12 categories, with tandem, handcycles, tricycles and bicycles all used according to the athletes' disability.
Paralympians on tandem bikes use a front pilot to steer - these are the only able-bodied contestants who can win a medal. Handcycles are for athletes who usually sit in wheelchairs, tricycles are used by those struggling with balance, while remaining athletes use bicycles with modifications to meet their disabilities.
All classes within the four categories are listed by numbers, with the lower ones signalling a higher level of disability.
Events
Men's individual pursuit, women's individual pursuit
Men's individual 1km time trial, women's individual 1km time trial
Men's individual pursuit , women's individual pursuit
Women's individual 500m time trial
Mixed team sprint
Classes
B: Athletes who are blind and visually impaired
C 1-5: Athletes with cerebral palsy, limb impairments and amputitions.
H 1-4: Athletes using handcycles, with lower limb dysfunctions and limited
stability
T 1-2: Athletes on tricycles, who have severe locomotive dysfunctions and
limited ability to pedal
Gold medals available
18
Tactics and techniques
Stamina and power may be elementary to this discipline, but it also owes much to tactics. Occupying a good position before the final sprint can make the difference, as can the amount of time spent in the slip-stream - the position just behind another back wheel.
Team events are, naturally, about solid team work. Riders will switch the front man several times to share the burden, with such changes requiring perfect execution not to waste time or energy. Other factors include aerodynamic equipment, good tyres and an effective sitting position.
Watch
Facts (and phrases)
The road cycling may have been introduced in 1984 but it took 12 more years before the track was opened to tandem cycles.
The London 2012 Paralympics will host as many as 18 events. That is good news for Britain, who dominated track cycling in Beijing 2008 with 12 gold medals. With a brand new Velodrome designed to increase the speed, it could prove to be a gold mine once again.
Legends
Britain's own Darren Kenny remains a prolific figure, and not without reason. The Salisbury man won four individual gold medals - two each in Athens and Beijing - and was awarded an MBE in 2009.
British stars
Darren Kenny, Anthony Kappes, Mark Bristow, Jody Cundy, Aileen McGlynn, Sarah Storey.
British chances
Good, to say the least. Having won more than half the gold medals on offer in Beijing, Britain is expected to dominate. Cycling was Britain's second most successful sport in 2008, and will be a cornerstone in building a lasting legacy in Paralympic sport.
International rivals
Australia, though in terms of the total medal haul, they shouldn't be anywhere near.
Schedule
August 30 - September 2
Venue
Matt Scott