Road cycling takes place on public roads where the natural surroundings create a scenic backdrop for the course. The road race competition at the 15th Asian Games will be staged primarily on the Corniche bay.

    Cycling is far more complicated and strategic than first apparent. Riding in close proximity, known as drafting, is usually the key to victory. Following close behind an opponent or teammate (in their slipstream) dramatically reduces wind resistance, so the race leader is frequently at a disadvantage.

    The advantage of drafting is most noticeable in the track sprint races, where the two competitors jockey for position. Cyclists often come to a virtual standstill on the track while trying to maneuver into second place, with the aim of catapulting out of their opponent's slipstream to clinch victory.

    In team races, cyclists work together with their teammates, alternating the leadership so they can take full advantage of the drafting effect.

    If there is a close finish in the road race, the team leader or the best sprinter will usually come from behind one or more team mates who will attempt to lead him at top speed towards the finish line. The most unusual track race is the Keirin, where riders draft behind a motorcycle ridden by an official.

    Races often feature close finishes at high speed, with track cyclists reaching speeds of up to 70 km per hour. Velodromes are enclosed and compact, which makes for a very exciting atmosphere.

    The 15th Asian Games features eight track events and three road events for men, and four track events and two road events for women.

    History:

    Bicycles were first developed in the mid-18th century and quickly became a popular form of transport, although the early designs, with a huge front wheel, were extremely difficult to control. In 1885, the first modern bicycle with a chain and gearing that allowed the wheels to be of equal size appeared.

    Professional cycling is now the most popular summer sport in continental Europe. The biggest events are stage road races that take place over a number of weeks and include the Vuelta d'Espana, the Giro D'Italia and the Tour de France.

    Cycling was a part of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, with the first road race contested over the marathon course. It is one of the few sports that has been a part of every modern Olympics, although there have been many changes in the program throughout the years.

    Cycling was one of the original six sports at the 1st Asian Games in New Delhi in 1950. It was dropped for the second in Manila in 1954, but reappeared in Tokyo in 1958.

    (Sources: Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee, Xinhua Database)