in-dih-vid-yoo-uhl pur-suyt
Noun
A cycling race in which competitors race alone against the clock.
Example usage: 'I'm competing in an individual pursuit race this weekend.'
Most used in: Track cycling competitions.
Most used by: Track cyclists.
Popularity: 7/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: 1 Individual Time Trial, 2 Pursuit Race, 3 Match Sprints, 4 Time Trial Racing,
What is Individual Pursuit in the Context of Cycling?
Individual Pursuit is a cycling race event that features two competitors starting from opposite sides of a track. The goal is to either catch up to the other rider or finish the distance in the shortest possible time. This event is usually raced over 4,000 metres.
The event is divided into two halves of 2,000 meters each. The first half is known as the qualifying round and the second half is the final. In the qualifying round, the riders must complete the distance in the fastest possible time. The two riders with the fastest times will then face off in the final.
In the final, the riders will start from opposite sides of the track and attempt to catch up to the other rider. The rider who catches the other rider or finishes the distance first is declared the winner. If neither rider catches the other, then the rider with the fastest time is declared the winner.
Individual Pursuit is one of the most exciting events in track cycling. It requires riders to have excellent physical and mental strength in order to succeed. According to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the current world record for the Individual Pursuit is held by Bradley Wiggins, who finished the 4,000 metres in 4 minutes and 15.031 seconds.
The Origin of Individual Pursuit in Cycling
The term 'Individual Pursuit' first became popular in the early 1900s, primarily in England and the United States. It was used to describe a type of race in which cyclists competed against each other in a time trial format, typically on a velodrome track.
The individual pursuit was first used as an Olympic event in the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, when it was known as the 'Individual Time Trial'. It was then included in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, and has been an Olympic event ever since.
Today, the individual pursuit is still a popular event in cycling, and is one of the most exciting events to watch. It has also been used in other sports, such as rowing and speed skating, where athletes are pitted against each other in a time trial format.
