The team pursuit event consisted of both a time trial (with up to 2 teams on the track at the same time) and a series of head-to-head races between 2 teams. There were a total of four rounds: an elimination round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
Elimination round: This round was a time trial, with 1 or 2 teams on the track simultaneously. The top 8 times, regardless of heat, advanced to the head-to-head competitions.
Quarterfinals: There were four quarterfinals. Beginning with the quarterfinals, each round featured a single head-to-head race. The winner of each advanced to the semifinals while the loser was eliminated.
Semifinals: There two semifinals. The winner of each advanced to the gold medal final, the loser to the bronze medal final.
Finals: A gold medal final and a bronze medal final were held.
^The Official Report lists the time as 4:35.87, clearly a typographical error as Japan is shown in 2nd place in the heat behind Argentina, who finished in 4:44.44. Sports-reference lists the correct time.