Cycling
Cycling is divided into three areas -- track, road and mountain bike. Road racing is the oldest of the three. It along with track racing was at the inaugral modern Olympic Games. Mountain biking made its debut in Atlanta in 1996.

Weather determines the distance in mountain bike. The officials attempt to keep the men's race to a finishing time of two hours, 15 minutes and the women's at two hours. Men race between 40 and 50 kilometers and women 30 to 40.

Road races are especially long. The men's race normally takes more than five hours and the women's three. As in a marathon, riders are allowed food at foodstations. They also can share food with a team member.

Track racing has an unsual look. Bikers race on a track that is tilted at a 42-degree angle at the curves. Track racing takes place on a wooden surface that is 250 meters in length. The length of the course in road racing is 239 kilometers for men and 120 for women.

In track racing, the bikes are aerodynamic but lack maneuverability. At the other extreme are mountain bikes, which are built for rough terrain. They have sturdy frames and thick tires. Mountain bikes have front suspension similar to motorcycles.