This game, which looks like a track cycling game although it is not exactly one, is a favorite among gamers due to its innovative (I mean, when the game was released) mechanics and the absence of dice or other randomizers.

The game has been available from Fiendish games almost (?) uninterrupedtly since it was first issued, although the presentation has changed somewhat. As far as I know, the box on the right (picture with red background) is the one originally released in 1991, while the box on the left (picture with the black background was sold in the early 2000s (at least that is when I bought mine). I wonder if the boxes they are selling now are still like that.

There is also a Japanese boxed edition of the game (issued by New Order in 2016) with new plastic riders and a more professional presentation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find outside Japan and expensive to have it shipped from Japan.

Unlike most track cycling games, this one does not offer the possibility of playing different types of races: in this game you play a team race over 100 squares. The rules mention three "stages" but they are just intermediate sprints which award points th the first 8 riders to cross the line. The finish line awards points to the first eight riders to (twice as many points as intermediate sprints) and the winner is the team with more points when the race is over.

Of course we do not find an event with these rules in track cycling. However, since the the board is velodrome-shaped and there are no climbs or other outdoors-cycling elements, I still file this game under in the track cycling secrtion. Judging by the picture on the box of the Japanese edition, they are of the same opinion. Keep in mind though, that the veredict is not unanimous: among the fan-made boards available on the web (check the "unpublished games" section) some are not velodrome-shaped.

But then we also find an "official" variant (designed by Ton Segers, it is on Fiendish Games website: see link below) called "Madison".  As it name implies it is based on a Madison race, which is a track cycling race indeed.

 

 

The original Fiendish game board (above, white background) measures 54 x 45 cms ands is made of plasticised paper. The nicer board below, though it says "Fiendish Games" on the carners, s the smaller (42 x 30 cms) board by New Games Order. It is made of cardboard.