The individual pursuit is a track cycling event where two cyclists began the
race from a stationary position on opposite sides of the track. The event is
held over 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) for men and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) for women.
The two riders start at the same time and set off to complete the race
distance in the fastest time. They will ride on the pursuit line at the bottom
of the track in order to find the fastest line. This race makes for a good
spectacle as the two riders pursue each other attempting to catch the other
rider who started on the other side of the track. If the catch is achieved,
then the successful pursuer is declared the winner. However, they can
continue to ride the rest of the race distance in order to set the fastest time
in a qualifying race or a record in a final.