The thrill of the boards, the massive gains you can expect in stamina and explosive power, the chance to emulate Sir Chris Hoy or Victoria Pendleton... Track cycling has something to offer nearly every rider, and it's loads of fun. So how do you get started?
There are velodromes throughout the country, many of which run introductory sessions to get you started, and open sessions so you can progress. Be warned though – with many Olympic cycling disciplines based on the track, interest in these is bound to increase in the run-up to Rio 2016.
What is track cycling?
Track cycling involves riding or racing a track-specific bicycle around a purpose-built, cambered and banked track, at a velodrome. Important to note that there are both indoor and outdoor velodromes, with indoor being the more popular option – especially in the UK.
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The track at an indoor velodrome is usually constructed from wood, with two long sides and two shorter, more steeply banked sides, forming an oval shape. An Olympic-standard velodrome has a track of 250 metres. There are also outdoor velodromes, such as Herne Hill in London, UK.
There are coloured bands painted at various intervals up the track. At the base, adjacent to the track, is a blue band called the ‘côte d’azur’, which is not technically part of the track – you should try to stay out of this part. Then 20cm above the blue band is a black, 5cm-thick line which defines the length of the track, so that's 250m on an Olympic-standard track. And 90cm above that is the red sprinter's line; the gap between black and red marks the optimum route around the track. Lastly, a minimum of 250cm, or halfway up the track, there is a blue line called the stayer's line. Any rider below this mark cannot be overtaken on the inside.
Image: Tradnor
A beginer's perspective
Track cycling beginner tips
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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