In track cycling, how long is one lap of the standard Olympic velodrome?
Answer
250 metres
Answer
250 metres
One lap of the standard Olympic velodrome is 250 metres. Modern Olympic track-cycling venues use this distance for events such as the team sprint, team pursuit, keirin and omnium.
A velodrome is a purpose-built track with steeply banked turns. The banking allows riders to maintain speed while following a curved line, and the track surface is usually made from wood indoors or a specialized material outdoors. The steepness varies by venue and design.
Older velodromes can have different lap lengths, including 333 metres or 400 metres. That is why a question about a “standard Olympic” track points specifically to 250 metres. Track race distances are often expressed in laps, so knowing the lap length is essential when interpreting event formats and records.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026