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 Velodrome
track racing is an exciting and fast sport which used to enjoy massive
popularity in the United States, and continues to grow in popularity
around the world. It is hugely popular in countries such as Japan, and
in the United Kingdom, Olympic success and seen a big growth in
popularity and participation. In fact, in the United States track
cycling used to be so popular, Madison Square garden in New York was
originally built as a bike racing track, and racers were the sporting
stars of the day.
To someone who is new to the sport, track racing can seem a little
inaccessible. Cyclists on seemingly expensive, high end machines, race
around a purpose built track clad in sleek lycra. But the reality is
that track cycling is one of the friendliest and most accessible sports
out there. Just check out your local velodrome. Most cycling tracks
offer hire bicycles, and all offer programs that will teach you how to
ride safely on the track, and how to handle and race a track bicycle.
Beginners programs also include beginners races, which are usually an
excellent and safe introduction to the sport.
And track bicycles need not be the carbon framed, disc wheeled, space
aged flying machines you may have seen on the television. A relatively
simple track bicycle will be more than sufficient to see you through the
beginner and intermediate level without having to invest thousands of
dollars. And a track bicycle can also be versatile enough to use for
every day riding. Many come equipped with a flip-flop hub so that you
can ride fixed wheel on the track, and then change to a free wheel set
up when you are out and about.
The benefits of track racing are many. Riding a single speed bike with
no brakes around a track is fast and exciting, but also teaches you some
important and useful bike handling skills. You learn very quickly how to
ride in a pack of riders, and learn also how to handle your bike in a
way that is stable and predictable to those around you. Ring and racing
in a group on the track can certainly make your local criterium race
seem a little less intimidating! Track racing also teaches you how to
spin quickly and effectively. A track bike only has one gear, so in
order to sprint, or to close the gap between you and the rider in front,
you have to be able to spin quickly and efficiently. Track racing
encourages you spin the pedals fast and with an even pedal stroke, which
is a more efficient and effective way to ride your bike. Just watch
riders like Lance Armstrong and see how fast he spins the pedals, even
when he is riding up a steep hill.
 Track
racing is fast! Racing on the track is a great way to improve your power
and sprinting. It is also an excellent spectator sport with most tracks
being indoors. Compared with road racing where crowds may only get one
glimpse of racers going by, the velodrome captures all the action and is
a great place to bring family or friends for an evening of sporting
entertainment.
Most of all, track racing is a lot of fun, and there are events to suit
everyone’s tastes and strengths, including team events. Whether you
choose pursuit, madison or time trial, track racing is fast and fun.
Check out your local velodrome for events and beginners classes. Most
tracks offer mid-week races as well as weekend events, so get down there
and watch an event. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked!
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