The Omnium is the newest event in track cycling, having only been introduced ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games for both men and women. Since then, the format has changed from six events to four.
The Omnium came about after the International Olympic Committee required gender parity in events but did not allow for more medals for cycling. The omnium replaced the individual pursuit, points race and kilometre time trial (500m time trial for women) and combined them all into one medal event, to a great outcry from the sport.
