THE TAKING PART

The maximum number of track riders in Sydney will be 188, including reserves and alternates. Nations, and not individuals, qualify in two ways: at the last world championships before the Games; at one of the four regional qualification tournaments held in four of the recognised world regions (Europe does not hold an Olympic qualification tournament) in the pre-Games season. This system works against the true "taking part" spirit of the Olympic Games, in that entry is strictly restricted to the world's elite riders and there is no scope for a talented one-off rider from a non-cycling nation to even compete. Selection for points races is the exception to the rule.

A total of 212 athletes will race on the road, with nations, not individuals selected for the Games, on the basis of their standing on the world rankings. Places at the last world championships before the Games are also a factor, as are time trials and results at international regional competitions, though the latter are restricted to zones outside Europe, which has no equivalent event.