The “Trackstand” is the art of balancing on a bicycle that is stationary. The skill originated in the sport of match sprinting on a Velodrome, which is a banked oval track. Hence trackstand.
A 1,000 meter event is usually 3 laps of a track, as most Velodromes are designed to measure 333 1/3 meters to a lap. Some indoor tracks are shorter.
Match sprinting at a world class level is usually two riders on the track at a time, riding in three matches; best of three to determine the winner. Obviously, if a rider took off at a high rate of speed from the start, his opponent would simply draft behind him, and at the end of three laps, with fresh legs would come by to win.
One rider has to lead for the first lap; usually by a draw or coin-toss initially; in the second match the other rider leads. It is a definite advantage to be in the rear position. If the leading rider makes an effort the rider behind can immediately match that effort, and get into the lead rider’s slipstream.
The lead rider is at a distinct disadvantage. Not only is his opponent already in a position to draft him; in order for the lead rider to watch his following opponent he must turn his head.
At any time when the lead rider looks to the front, or looks over the wrong shoulder, his opponent can attack hard and open up a considerable gap that might be hard to close before the finish line. After leading for the first lap the lead rider will slow, even come to a complete stop to try to force the other rider to take the lead.
The trackstand is executed by turning the front wheel to the right facing up the banking of the track; the front wheel will tend to roll backwards down the slope of the track. By applying forward pressure on the pedal; the rider can force the bike and the front wheel forward to oppose gravity, and maintain balance.
This takes a great deal of skill, and if the rider loses balance he has no option but to move forward or risk falling over. The above video from the 1990 World Championships shows the art of trackstanding at its best.
Italian rider Claudio Golinelli has to lead for the first lap; then he manages to stop completely and force Micheal Huebner his East German opponent to take the lead. Huebner then picks up the pace a little; soon after the bell goes for the final lap, the East German gets out of the saddle looking like he might attack.
But instead it appears Huebner is holding back against his fixed wheel to slow the bike because Golinelli suddenly goes past, hesitates, and then attacks, losing any chance of surprise.
I believe the Italian rider was surprised when he suddenly found himself in front position with no alternative but to attack. Had he not done so the East German would have surely attacked from behind, and being so close to the finish Golinelli would have no chance of closing the gap in time.
Both riders rode a great tactical race, but in the end it was Huebner who was not only the stronger but also managed to outwit a worthy opponent. Had the Italian realized Huebner was back-pedaling and attacked from behind he may have held off this stronger rider as he crossed the line, but the moment’s hesitation cost him the race.