Cycling at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Qualification
For the cycling competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, the following qualification systems are in place.
Summary
Track cycling
An NOC is entitled to enter a single team in each of the four team events. An NOC without a team in the relevant team event may qualify up to two places in sprint and keirin, and one place in omnium; an NOC with a team may enter that number from its team resources, for a total of twenty three quota places, an increase from the 2012 games which had a one rider per event limit in sprint and keirin; however, a limit of 15 riders is placed on each NOC, with the possibility of drafting in two further riders from other cycling events. For certain countries, therefore, the number of quota places earned will significantly exceed the numbers of riders qualified; in effect, members of team events will 'double up', for team sprint athletes in sprint and keirin, and team pursuit athletes in omnium.Road cycling
Similarly, the cyclists who compete in the road time trial must also compete in the road race event; thus an NOC may win 2 quota places, but be allowed to take only one rider.Timeline
The following is a timeline of the qualification events for the cycling events at the 2016 Summer Olympics.Road cycling
Men's road race
Men's individual time trial
Women's road race
Women's individual time trial
Track cycling
Men's team sprint
Teams must be composed of 3 riders.| Event | Ranking by Nation | Qualified NOC | Teams per NOC |
| 2014–2016 Olympic track ranking | 1 to 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 9 |
Men's sprint
Men's Keirin
Men's team pursuit
Teams must be composed of 4 riders.| Event | Ranking by Nation | Qualified NOC | Teams per NOC |
| 2014–2016 Olympic track ranking | 1 to 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 9 |
Men's Omnium
Women's team sprint
Teams must be composed of 2 riders.| Event | Ranking by Nation | Qualified NOC | Teams per NOC |
| 2014–2016 Olympic track ranking | 1 to 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 9 |
Women's sprint
Women's Keirin
Women's team pursuit
Teams must be composed of 4 riders.| Event | Ranking by Nation | Qualified | Teams per NOC |
| 2014–2016 Olympic track ranking | 1 to 9 | 1 | |
| Total | 9 |