Understanding Race Craft in Elite Men’s Omnium Competitions: Performance Analysis Insights and Coaching Perspectives

<p dir="ltr"><b>Introduction: </b>This thesis addresses a critical gap in track cycling research, presenting the first academic study focused on identifying performance factors in the elite men’s Omnium Points Race, a field where, until now, coaches have largely relied on experiential insights, or extrapolated data from other cycling disciplines. Grounded in the author’s dual role as a coach and analyst with national cycling teams from Japan and the USA, the thesis is shaped by three primary aims: (1) to investigate elite coaches' perceptions regarding key performance factors in the Points Race, and the role of data in competitive decision making and outcomes; (2) to analyse physical, tactical, and strategic performance factors in the Points Race; and (3) to develop an actionable framework to support coaches and analysts in integrating insights from data to enhance training, competition strategies, and overall performance.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Methodology:</b><b> </b>A multi-method approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews with elite coaches and video-based performance analysis of seven world-class Points Races from the 2019/20 season. These data informed the development of the <i>Racecraft Framework</i> – a systems informed conceptual model that reflects the complexity of Omnium racing, mapping how multiple interdependent factors underpin race outcomes.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Results:</b><b> </b>In Chapter 5, coaches of elite male Omnium cyclists revealed that performance is conceptualised as a multifaceted combination of physical attributes (e.g., power and aerobic capacity), tactical intelligence, strategic awareness, and psychological resilience. Chapter 6 reveals that repeatable access to high speed, rather than peak speed alone, is more indicative of performance, aligning with a view of racing as a dynamic system of shifting demands. Chapter 7 highlights that there was a variation in the speed of points scoring sprint ranks throughout the subsection_TenLaps leading into each intermediate sprint highlighting a variety of tactics used. Positional analysis showed the top-ranked cyclists achieving advanced positions earlier in the subsection to make the most of point scoring opportunities. Analysis of successful lap gains reveal that they often occur as part of broader strategic plays that include intermediate point accumulation, with most lap gains made by small groups, and most frequently take between 9.5-10.5, or 15.5-16.5 laps to complete. Chapter 8 then explores the strategies among cyclists, emphasising the systems thinking needed to manage energy, positioning, and point scoring over time. High-ranking cyclists score consistently across intermediate sprints and secure positions by capitalising on speed variations throughout the race, often establishing an unassailable lead before the final sprint.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Practical Applications:</b> The <i>Racecraft Framework</i>, developed iteratively through a review of and reflection on existing literature, interviews with coaches, video analysis, and the authors own experiences of working as a track cycling coach and performance analyst at the highest level, provides a conceptual model for coaches and analysts to evaluate the physical, tactical, and strategic complexity of Points Race performance. Its real-world utility was demonstrated in athlete preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. A final reflections chapter draws together methodological, applied, and personal insights, reinforcing the thesis’s value as both an academic and practical contribution to enhancing track cycling performance.</p>