250m and Beyond!
Track cycling is an exciting and dynamic form of cycling that has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years. With the 2012 London Olympics being a catalyst for the events currently on offer. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, track cycling offers a unique and exhilarating experience that is not to be missed. In this post, we will explore what you need to race on the track, why you should try it, the fitness required, the different types of races, and some of the best venues to visit in London.
Why You Should Try Track Cycling
Track cycling offers a unique and exciting experience that is not found in other forms of cycling. Racing on a velodrome requires a high level of skill, speed, and strategy, making it a challenging and rewarding sport to participate in.
Track cycling is also a great way to improve your fitness and overall health. Racing on a velodrome requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength and endurance. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your overall fitness, or just have fun, track cycling is a great way to achieve your goals.
What You Need to Race on the Track
Track cycling is a form of cycling that requires a few key pieces of equipment. The most important piece of equipment is the track bike, which is a bike specifically designed for racing on a velodrome. Track bikes have no brakes, a fixed gear, and either a steel, aluminum or carbon frame. This means that riders need to pedal continuously, and use their legs to control their speed and acceleration.
Track bikes are purpose-built machines designed specifically for racing on the velodrome. They are known for their simplicity and efficiency, stripped down to the essentials to maximise speed and control. One crucial aspect of track bikes is that the bike is a fixed gear, meaning it doesn’t freewheel. As long as the bike is moving, your legs will be moving. This is why track gearing you choose plays a vital role in determining a rider's speed and cadence. Gearing is typically expressed in gear inches, in track cycling, gearing tends to be high to accommodate the high speeds reached on the track. For training purposes, a common gear ratio like 50x16 (or 84" gear inches) is often used, providing a balanced combination of acceleration and control. However, for racing, riders often opt for even higher gearing, typically upwards of 96" gear inches, to maximise their top speed and take full advantage of the velodrome's banked corners. Gear inches are calculated by multiplying the number of teeth on the chainring by the number of teeth on the rear cog, and dividing the result by the diameter of the wheel in inches. This calculation provides a standardised measure that helps riders select the appropriate gear ratio based on their desired speed and cadence requirements.
In addition to a track bike, riders also need to wear a helmet, cycling shoes, and appropriate clothing. Track cycling is a fast-paced sport that requires a high level of fitness and skill, so it's important to be prepared before hitting the track.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need a high-end, expensive bike to enjoy track cycling. While carbon fiber frames and top-of-the-line components may be appealing, the truth is that a steel or aluminum frame is more than sufficient for riding the track. Since track cycling takes place on a smooth, banked surface with no hills to tackle, the emphasis shifts away from the weight of the bike. Instead, riders looking to upgrade their track bikes should focus on other areas that can have a more significant impact on performance. One crucial upgrade to consider is the wheels. Investing in faster and deeper wheels can make a notable difference in speed and aerodynamics. The aerodynamic advantage of deeper wheels, combined with high-quality hubs and spokes, can provide a noticeable improvement in performance. So, before splurging on a carbon frame, consider upgrading your wheels first. Remember, on the track, it's all about speed and efficiency, and prioritising the right upgrades can enhance your performance without breaking the bank.
Fitness Required
Track cycling is a physically demanding sport that requires a high level of fitness. Riders need to be able to maintain a high level of intensity for short bursts of time, while also having the endurance to last through longer races. This means that training for track cycling requires a combination of high-intensity interval training, strength training, and endurance training. However, don’t be put off if you don’t consider yourself to be as fit as Olympians, there are still lots of options available to you for training and racing for novices, especially in London.
Different Types of Races
There are several different types of races in track cycling, each with their own unique challenges and strategies. Bunch races, also known as mass start races, involve all riders starting together and racing to the finish line. Timed events, such as the individual pursuit and team pursuit, involve riders racing against the clock to achieve the fastest time possible. Sprint events involve two or more riders racing against each other over a short distance, typically 200-1000m.
Best Venues to Visit in London
London has several excellent venues for track cycling, including the Lee Valley VeloPark and the Herne Hill Velodrome. The Lee Valley VeloPark was built for the 2012 Olympics and offers a world-class velodrome that is open to the public. The Herne Hill Velodrome is one of the oldest velodromes in the world, and hosts the popular Women's Track League every summer.
The Women's Track League at Herne Hill is a fantastic event that showcases some of the best track cyclists in the country. The league runs from May to August, and features a range of races for riders of all abilities. Whether you are a seasoned racer or just starting out, the Women's Track League is a great way to experience the excitement and challenge of track cycling.
Riders must obtain track accreditation to race at the Lee Valley VeloPark or other indoor tracks in the UK. Accreditation ensures riders have the necessary skills and knowledge to ride safely. The process typically involves attending an introductory session where you learn the basics of track cycling and demonstrate your ability to ride confidently and safely in a group. Once you have completed the accreditation process up to stage four, you will receive a new British Cycling licence featuring your track accreditation, allowing you to participate in races in most indoor velodromes in the UK.
Riders must undergo training and race accreditation to participate in events at the Herne Hill Velodrome. The training accreditation is designed to teach riders the skills to race safely and efficiently on the track. Riders receive guidance on techniques such as riding in a bunch, navigating the way at high speeds, and sprinting. Once you've completed the training accreditation, you can progress to the race accreditation, which allows you to participate in competitive events at Herne Hill.
You will also need a British Cycling license to race at both Lee Valley and Herne Hill. The license ensures that you are covered by insurance while racing and provides access to various benefits. The license requirements vary depending on your racing category. Riders can participate without a full license for lower category races, such as the Women's Track League C races at Herne Hill. These races are often coach-led race events to allow riders to gain race experience and progress in their cycling journey.
Obtaining a British Cycling license is a straightforward process. You can apply for a grant through the British Cycling website, where you will find different options depending on your age, gender, and racing category. The license provides access to a comprehensive calendar of events, including track races, road races, and other disciplines.
The Women's Track League at Herne Hill is a fantastic platform for women riders of all abilities. It offers a supportive and inclusive environment for racing, allowing riders to participate in coach-led go-race events without needing a full license. This creates an accessible pathway for riders to gain race experience, improve their skills, and progress in the sport.
In conclusion, track cycling in London offers a thrilling and challenging experience for riders of all levels. Whether you race at the Lee Valley VeloPark or the Herne Hill Velodrome, complete the necessary accreditations and obtain a British Cycling license to ensure your safety and access to a vibrant racing community. And for women riders, the Women's Track League at Herne Hill provides an excellent opportunity to join the exciting world of track cycling, even without a full license, as part of the coach-led go-race events. So saddle up and embrace the adrenaline-fueled world of track cycling in the heart of London!
