Track Cycling

Track cycling is a form of racing bicycles that takes place on a velodrome, a bike track specially designed for high-speed racing. While some Americans enjoy track cycling, it is more popular in England, Scotland, Japan and Australia. The International Cycling Union (UCI) is the organization that is responsible for setting the rules for track cycling, as well as the standards for the design of track bikes.
 
 
Track racing is generally practiced for a specific amount of time or for a set distance. The most popular type of track race is the one-hour race, in which riders go as far as possible in an hour's time.
 
In this section, we will discuss all you need to know about how to get started in track cycling. Our articles describe a range of track biking topics, including necessary equipment, track cycling techniques and different types of courses for the sport.

Track Bikes

Track bikes are different from road bikes and mountain bikes in that they are aerodynamically designed for racing. In general, track bike frames are made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum or titanium, to help riders hit top speeds on the track. Some the features unique to track bikes include:
  • a higher saddle that is tilted forward for aerodynamic purposes
  • fixed gears (Gear shifting is unnecessary on track racing bikes, as the terrain remains the same.)
  • lightweight, narrow tires with special traction to help the biker maneuver across slippery track surfaces
  • lower handlebars to make the rider and the bike more aerodynamic
  • no shocks, as bikers ride on smooth surfaces, making shocks an unnecessary weight on the bike.
Another unique aspect of track bikes is that their tires are generally filled to extremely high pressures to minimize the amount of friction between the tires and the track. In addition to this, there are many other characteristics that are unique to track bikes.

Velodromes

Although you can practice track biking in a variety of venues, most track biking races take place in velodromes, which are paved racing tracks that are banked to make them more aerodynamic and to facilitate racing. Over the years, newer velodromes have been constructed with a higher degree of banking to help the competitors go faster as they race.
 
Because track biking is extremely popular in European countries, that is where most velodromes are located. Velodromes have unique construction as well. Before entering a velodrome, riders must learn the rules and technique for cycling on a velodrome.

Track Gear

Like most forms of biking, track racing involves specific gear and accessories that will help riders along the way. Track gear is lightweight, and like track bikes, aims to help riders be prepared without being weighed down. Extra weight can sometimes mean the difference between finishing first and finishing last in track cycling.
 
To be competitive in track racing, it's important to be equipped with the appropriate track gear.
 
Resource
 
USA Cycling (2008). Track Cycling. Retrieved January 9, 2008, from the USA Cycling Web site.