This is the classic sprint race on the track. The race matches two or three riders against each other over three laps of the track. The first one to cross the line at the finish is the winner. Only the final 200 meters are timed.

The race usually starts out slowly with one rider designated to lead out at a minimum of a walking pace. Other riders may voluntarily overtake him. The first two laps usually find the riders maneuvering for their favorite position from which to launch their sprint for the finish line. Riders may block or faint in order to get or maintain their position when not actually sprinting. Once the sprint begins, riders at full speed must limit their side to side movement as they charge to the finish. Once a lead rider enters the sprinter's lane during the sprint he "controls the lane". He may not come out of the lane while sprinting and all others must pass him on the outside of this line.

What to watch for: Each rider has his or her own strategy for how to win against a particular rider. Some prefer to stay in front of their opponent blocking him or her from getting in front and forcing them to take the long way around in attempting to pass. Watch for the lead rider to block the rear rider and often pin the rider up high against the rail until the last moment before charging for the finish line. Other riders prefer to ride the race from the rear position in an attempt to use the leaders slip stream to sling shot past in the final meters of the sprint. Watch for the race to slow to a crawl in the early laps as each rider attempts to gain the rear position.

Here's a short match sprint video featuring Taylor Olson (SpeedFix p/b Zubaz) at the 2008 MN Fixed Gear Classic.