Prologue (cycling race)
The prologue is the opening race of a stage race in road cycling and mountain biking .
Road cycling
In road cycling, the prologue is held as an individual time trial over a distance of no more than eight kilometers according to the current regulations . In women's and junior races , the maximum length of a prologue is limited to four kilometers. It also serves to present the field of drivers to the spectators. Usually the first regular stage begins at the same place as the prologue. The first jersey wearers for the special rankings are often determined at the prologue.
Although the prologue does not count as the first stage, it is included in the overall standings time. Despite its short distance, the prologue counts as a full race day and it is not permitted to drive a second race on the day of the prologue. If a driver falls during the prologue and cannot finish the race, he can still continue the race the next day and will be scored in the overall standings with the time of the last driver in the prologue.
