De'il - yay or nay?

[David Martin]

The elimination race - does it really have a place in top level competition?

I must admit that I like the De'il. It requires tactical nous and awareness and is the race I most like to ride (when I do ride the track). It is also great fun to watch.

But as an athletic event it appears to be too much of a lottery to be a true champions event.

Thoughts?

[Basil]

Well, I thought it was great fun to watch.  But  shouldn't be an Olympic event.
But, I say again.  Good fun to watch.

[LittleWheelsandBig]

It takes a very smart rider to beat somebody who is noticeably better. Strong and fast usually means a place on the podium.

[David Martin]

That's why I like it - lots of tactical racing, boxing in and so on. Pick your victim and make sure that you can keep them where you want. Works fine at the start That's why I like it because I may be smart but I am not fit or fast.

[LittleWheelsandBig]

My place was generally third plus or minus one place. Get in the money but not fast enough to outsprint anybody. Little tactics needed, just leading or first wheel. Only got the state championship one year because another rider took the whole field up to the fence just after I rolled to the front. Got a gap and just kept it for the few laps to the finish.

[clarion]

Basil +1

[Basil]

Basil +1

Oh bloody hell.  Not 2 Basils again? 

[David Martin]

My aim was to not be the first one dropped, and to see how much further I could get beyond that. Once the legs and lungs really counted, I was counted out...