Velodrome Track Cycling

A velodrome is the highly groomed, smooth wood or grass, indoor or outdoor track on which track cycling takes place. Velodromes are designed to be as frictionless as possible to help the riders go as fast as possible. To help track cyclists ride efficiently, track bikes are also specially designed to effectively ride on velodromes. Ideally, track bikes minimize drag and friction while riding on velodromes.
 
Some of the unique features of a track bike that promote speedy riding on a velodrome include smooth, tubular tires and a forward leaning frame to make the rider and bike more aerodynamic.
 

Velodrome Description

Velodromes are rectangular shaped with curved corners, much like a running track. To promote speed and efficient riding, velodromes almost always have steep banks at each curve. Not only do these banks help riders go faster, but they also make the race more exciting for the spectators.
 
While a 45° embankment is normal to find on a 250-meter track, a 32° degree embankment is more common on a 333-meter track. Generally, shorter tracks have steeper embankments. Over the years, as track cycling has evolved, newer velodromes have been constructed with steeper banks.

Velodrome Track Dimensions

Velodromes feature a unique line measuring 20 centimeters long. It is from this point that the total track length is measured. Because different track cycling races have their own rules of competition, velodromes are measured and constructed based on the specific competition taking place.

Although the standard velodrome measures 250 meters in length, others can be as short as 150 meters or as long as 500 meters. Here are a few examples of how velodromes vary according to the competition held:

  • Calshot Spit, Hampshire and United Kingdom all have velodrome lengths of 142 meters due to the fact that velodromes used to be measured to fit in aircraft hangers.
  • Olympic standard velodromes are a minimum of 250 meters in circumference.

Velodrome Construction

Wood, synthetics and concrete are all possible materials used to cover velodrome tracks. The newer the track, the more likely it is to be covered in wood or synthetics. The less expensive tracks employ concrete, macadam or, in some cases, cinder.

Velodrome Track Markings

Unlike velodrome track cycling measurements, the track markings don't vary between velodromes. Here are some general guidelines for how velodromes are marked:
  • Between the infield and the actual track, there is a 60 centimeter wide blue band.
  • There is a four centimeter wide red line called a sprinter's line 90centimeters from the inside of the track.
  • The blue stayers' line (used as a separation line) is a minimum of 250centimeters from the inside of the track.
  • The black-on-white line is the finish line.
  • For pursuit races, the red lines down the center of each straight-away are the start and finish lines.
  • The final 200 meters before the finish line is marked with a white line.
The most advantageous route around the track is the area between the black and red lines.

Indoor versus Outdoor Velodromes

In the past, indoor velodromes were a place for spectators to enjoy themselves after closing time in the local pubs (the peak of this past-time was from 1890-1920). An indoor venue means neither the fans nor the velodrome track cyclists have to give a second thought to rain, sleet or snow.
 
Indoor tracks are also smoother and more durable, as they aren’t affected by weather conditions. While indoor velodromes last longer and are generally preferred by track cyclists, they are expensive to build. As a result, new indoor velodromes are usually only built in places where velodrome cycling is so popular that it pays to construct a building.
 
Alternatively, outdoor velodromes are far more common than the indoor version, as they are cheaper to build.
 
Resource
 
Velodromes.com (n.d.). Welcome to the "Home" of Velodromes. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from the Velodrome.com Web site.