EXPLAINER: Why track cycling records are falling at Olympics

Shanju Bao, left, and Tianshi Zhong of Team China hug with their gold medals during a medal ceremony for the track cycling women's team sprint finals at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Shanju Bao, right, and Tianshi Zhong of Team China compete during the track cycling women's team sprint finals at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Team Germany celebrates during a qualifying heat for track cycling women's team pursuit at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Team Canada competes during the track cycling women's team pursuit at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Team Germany competes during a qualifying heat for track cycling women's team pursuit at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Team Denmark competes during the track cycling men's team pursuit at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Izu, Japan. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)