The individual pursuit is a track cycling event where two cyclists begin the race from a stationary position on opposite sides of the track. It is held at over 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) for men and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) for women. The riders start at the same time and set off to complete the race distance in the fastest time. They ride on the pursuit line at the bottom of the track to find the fastest line, with each rider trying to catch the other who started on the other side. If the catch is achieved, the successful pursuer is the winner. However, they can continue the rest of the race distance to set the fastest time in a qualifying race or a record in a final.
The team pursuit is a track cycling event similar to the individual pursuit, except that two teams, each of up to four riders, compete, starting on opposite sides of the velodrome.
Germany competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, People's Republic of China. A total of 439 athletes were nominated to participate in the Games. The German Olympic Sports Confederation nominated athletes on 29 May, 23 June and 15 July 2008. Reaching the qualification standard set by the relevant sport's international governing body did not automatically mean that the athlete was nominated for Beijing, as the DOSB had stricter qualification standards. An athlete needed to have a somewhat realistic chance for a top 12 position. An exception to this are the team events, as the number of competing teams is already very limited through the IOC standards, and a chance for a respective place is already given by the qualification.
The men's individual pursuit at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on August 16 at the Laoshan Velodrome. The pre-event favorite to win the gold medal was the defending Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins of Great Britain, who managed to retain the title, setting a new Olympic record in the preliminary round.
The women's individual pursuit at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on August 17 at the Laoshan Velodrome.
The Men's team pursuit at the European Track Championships was first competed in 2010 in Poland. It has formed a part of each championship since. Great Britain, the double Olympic champions, have dominated the event, winning on four of the five occasions.
The men's cycling team pursuit at the 2012 Olympic Games in London took place at the London Velopark on 2 and 3 August.
The women's cycling team pursuit at the 2012 Olympic Games in London was held at the London Velopark on 3 and 4 August.
The Men's Individual Pursuit B track cycling event at the 2012 Summer Paralympics took place on 30 August at London Velopark. This class was for blind and visually impaired cyclists riding with a sighted pilot. Eight pairs from six different nations competed.
The Women's Individual C5 Pursuit took place on 30 August 2012 at the London Velopark.
The Women's Individual Pursuit B track cycling event at the 2012 Summer Paralympics took place on September 2 at London Velopark. This class was for blind and visually impaired cyclists riding with a sighted pilot. Eleven pairs from nine different nations competed.
The Men's Individual Pursuit B track cycling event at the 2016 Summer Paralympics took place on September 8. This class is for blind and visually impaired cyclists riding with a sighted pilot. Sixteen pairs from 11 different nations compete.
The women's individual pursuit C5 took place on 8 September 2016.
The women's individual pursuit C1–3 took place on 8 September 2016.
The women's individual pursuit C4 took place on 8 September 2016.
The men's individual pursuit C1 took place on 8 September 2016.
The men's individual pursuit C2 took place on 8 September 2016.
The men's individual pursuit C3 took place on 8 September 2016.
The men's individual pursuit C4 took place on 8 September 2016.
The women's Individual Pursuit B track cycling event at the 2016 Summer Paralympics took place on September 11. This class is for blind and visually impaired cyclists riding with a sighted pilot. Fourteen pairs from 10 different nations compete.
