The Points Race is one of the trickier events to follow.  There is a mass

start from the boards and the race takes place over a longer distance. 

Typically, a women's race could be 20 laps or more at bigger events.  During

the 20 laps, points are awarded on every third lap to the first 4 riders across

the line.  The lap bell rings and the riders sprint to the line.  The points are

usually 5, 3, 2 and 1 respectively.  The riders continue to race, preparing for

the next bell lap.  The winner of the race is the rider who accumulates the

most points throughout the race and not necessarily the rider who crosses

the finish line first.  Sometimes extra points will be awarded on the final lap or

to any rider who laps the field.  This was an Olympic event for women until

2008.