Points Race, Men

This was the Olympic début for the points race on the Olympic schedule, unless one considers a somewhat similar event held only in 1900. The points race consists of a longer-distance track race, contested over 30 km. in the heats and 50 km. in the final in 1984. Points were awarded for sprints every two kilometers, while the final sprint awarded double points. The race placements were given to the riders who finish on the same lap, with the most points determining placements. A lapped rider could not gain points in any sprint. World championships had been contested in the points race since 1977. The 1983 World Champion was Denmark’s Michael Markussen, and he had also been on the podium at the 1981-82 World Championships, both won by East German riders. Forty-three riders started the first round, with the final consisting of 24 starters. Only two riders finished the final without being lapped – Roger Ilegems of Belgium and Uwe Messerschmidt (FRG). It was an easy gold medal for Ilegems with 37 points to 15 for Messerschmidt. Marcussen was lapped twice and placed ninth.