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Track cycling is a cycling discipline along with road cycling, mountain biking, gravel, or even cyclo-cross. Depending on the event, it requires qualities of speed, power and endurance. Ekoï invites you to discover more about this incredible sport. Ready for an immersion in the heart of the velodrome?
What is track cycling?
In track cycling, speed is everything! This impressive discipline is contested within an indoor or outdoor vélodrome. Cyclists race at supersonic speeds on a track that varies in surface and length.
Constructed of wood, asphalt, or concrete, velodrome tracks are typically 200 m, 300 m, or 333.33 m long. Their particularity lies in the inclination of the turns, raised to 40 degrees. This participates in the spectacular character of track cycling. Thanks to this facility, athletes become rockets: the maximum speed on the track can reach 75 km/h.
The specifics of track cycling
Of course, a very special bike is needed to ride on a track. Most frames are made entirely of carbon, in the frame and wheels, to provide rigidity and lightness.
Road cycling neophytes may be surprised at the lack of brakes, gears and freewheel. The fixed sprocket forces track riders to pedal continuously, then gradually decrease the pedaling rate to slow down and stop.
Track cycling events
Track cycling events fall into two broad categories and are often contested in a time trial format.
Sprint events:
- individual and team sprint;
- the men's mile and the women's 500 meters;
- the keirin;
- the 200 meters.
The endurance events:
- individual and team pursuit where cyclists must catch their opponents or run the fastest time;
- the points race;
- the middle distance;
- the American;
- the hour record;
The list does not end there: there are still a variety of events, including the omnium. Competed individually, it typically brings together six race formats such as the rolling lap, pursuit and elimination.
Olympic track cycling
This is a historic Olympic discipline! Present since the first Olympic Games of the modern era, track cycling is one of the few sports to appear on the calendar of all editions of the Olympics, except in 1912. Five events are contested.
Among the major competitions at the highest international level are also the World Track Cycling Championships.
There you go, track cycling has no secrets for you! How about learning more about triathlon, a discipline that puts the bike in the spotlight?
