How does a track handicap race work?

The 2026 Track Technical Regulations (4.00) describe handicaps as a non-championship event. The AusCycling road regulations do not set out a handicap format.

• Idea: the strongest riders are given the greatest distance to travel, in line with past performances, to equalise the competition between all riders.
• Distance: track handicaps may be held over 1000m or 2000m, though the distance may be varied having regard to the size of the track and local custom.
• Marks: handicappers should not set any mark greater than 15% of the advertised distance, and the limit mark cannot be more than one lap of the track.
• Start: riders must start from the mark set by the handicapper, on the measuring line of the track. Riders may receive a push start.
• Same mark: riders sharing a mark line up across the track on the straights and in single file in the bends, with the lowest number at the rear.
• False starts: a rider who gains an advantage at the start or causes a false start is penalised 10m in a 1000m handicap or 20m in a 2000m handicap. A second false start means disqualification.
• Mishaps: in a handicap heat, a rider who has a mishap after the start is not permitted a restart in a subsequent heat.

Source: 2026 AusCycling Track Technical Regulations.