Madison confirmed to feature at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The men's Madison was removed from the Olympic track schedule after 2008 and has never been included in the women's programme


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The Madison has been reintroduced to the men's Olympic track programme tomorrow, and added to the women's schedule for the first time.
The executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are expected to approve the inclusion of the Madison for the Tokyo 2020 Games, insidethegames reports.
It was last included in 2008 when, memorably, favourites Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins failed to win gold for Great Britain.
It hasn't featured in the London 2012 or Rio 2016 Games but has remained ever-present at the Track World Championships, where Cavendish and Wiggins won gold last year.
The discipline was added to the women's programme at the Worlds this year when British duo Elinor Barker and Emily Nelson took silver.
There has long since been support at British Cycling and other national federations for the Madison to be added to the Olympic programme, a stance supported and pushed by the UCI.
The women members of the GB team practised the Madison each week throughout the winter and all raced with one another.
Now the Madison is added to the Tokyo schedule, it takes the number of track events from 10 to 12 and provides equal parity in the gender ratio of events; however, there isn't expected to be an increase in the number of riders - it is thought that the Madison rider would have to come from the endurance squad.
Iain Dyer, BC's head coach, told Cycling Weekly in April: "A Madison rider has to be a very good bunch racer, and a very good endurance and tactical rider. Riders are interlinked. We are keen for people to explore all the opportunities [of partners].
Rob Hayles and Wiggins earned a bronze medal in the discipline at Athens 2004.
The IOC met to approve new disciplines for the Tokyo Games. BMX freestyle park - an event where riders perform tricks and stunts on a skate park - has also been added.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Chris first started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2013 on work experience and has since become a regular name in the magazine and on the website. Reporting from races, long interviews with riders from the peloton and riding features drive his love of writing about all things two wheels.
Probably a bit too obsessed with mountains, he was previously found playing and guiding in the Canadian Rockies, and now mostly lives in the Val d’Aran in the Spanish Pyrenees where he’s a ski instructor in the winter and cycling guide in the summer. He almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains.
-
-
Best long sleeved cycling jerseys 2023 for fall and spring riding, reviewed and rated
A long sleeved cycling jersey is a riding wardrobe staple, providing protection against cooler temperatures
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
‘Infectious positivity’ helped Jack Rootkin-Gray earn his first WorldTour ride with EF Education-EasyPost
Brit to make WorldTour debut in 2024 with Jonathan Vaughters managed American team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Meet the cyclist who logged a six-hour training ride - without telling his coach - before winning World Championships
Daniel Abraham Gebru refuses to miss training days, even when he has a race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I had moments of hatred towards cycling' - Chloé Dygert on her horrific crash, heart surgery and lofty goals
Cycling Weekly interviews American Chloé Dygert who's making an inspiring comeback after a horrendous leg injury, heart surgery and three seasons of struggling.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Saved from the brink of decay, the resurrected Boulder Valley Velodrome is close to opening
Closed in 2019 and left idle since, the Boulder Valley Velodrome was bought in April 2023 and is currently being resurrected.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Herne Hill Velodrome to stage major international event
Legendary venue draws GB and world talents with new UCI event
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Back to school - Ryan Owens on training for the Olympics while studying for a masters in business
The 27-year-old plans on returning to the track after completing an MBA
By Andy McGrath Published
-
Extinction Rebellion stages anti-Shell protest at British Track Champs
Two people carried a banner through the stands at Newport's Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
By Vern Pitt Published
-
Inside British Cycling's £1 wind tunnel
Cycling Weekly goes behind the scenes of the new medal factory on British Cycling's doorstep
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Live watch parties, multiple camera angles but no rider interaction - here's what cycling in the metaverse will look like
Next weekend's Track Champions League rounds will offer fans a new level of immersion
By Tom Davidson Last updated