What is Track Cycling ?
Track Cycling is an exhilarating bicycle racing sport usually held on specially built banked tracks or velodromes using track bicycles. The bicycles are fixed gear bikes with no brakes, the bike is propelled or slowed down by the pedal strokes of the cyclist.
In Ireland there are three outdoor velodromes:
- Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12
- Orangefield, Belfast
- Kanturk, Co. Cork
Despite not having an indoor velodrome yet, Ireland has some very successful female track cyclists, including Olympians and World Medallists
- Track cycling is a great way to keep fit and throughout the season . There are often sessions twice a week. You can take part in these sessions even if you do not want to race.
- Tack racing is extremely safe. All riders must be accredited before they can take part in group activity and all sessions are monitored by experienced coaches.
- The Women’s Commission host Women Only Track Training Days to get riders started
What bike do I need?
-
- A track bicycle or track bike is a bicycle optimized for racing at a velodrome or outdoor track. Unlike road bicycles, the track bike is a fixed-gear bicycle and so has a single gear and neither freewheel nor brakes.
- Track Bikes are available to hire for small fee at most Velodromes
What gear do I need?
-
- Cycling Shorts & Jersey
- Helmet (These can be hired at the Velodrome)
- Cycling Shoes (These can be hired at the Velodrome)
Who can I ride Track with?
- The Women’s Commission can help you find a local club that have a focus on Women’s Track Cycling – contact us for information
How can I start racing Track?
- Our Calendar will have upcoming race dates & events.
- Sundrive Velodrome host beginner races/leagues throughout the Summer & Autumn
- Visit Trackcycling.ie for more information about Track Cycling
Below is a list of some of the races that take place on the track.
Sprint Races:
Sprint races are generally between 8 and 10 laps in length and focus on raw sprinting power and race tactics over a small number of laps to defeat opponents. Sprint riders will train specifically to compete in races of this length and will not compete in longer endurance races.
Main Sprint Events
- Sprint
- Team sprint
- Keirin
- Track time trial
Endurance Races
Endurance races are held over much longer distances. While these primarily test the riders endurance abilities, the ability to sprint effectively is also required in the Madison, Points Race and Scratch Race. The length of these races varies from 12–16 laps for the Individual and Team Pursuit races, up to 200 laps for a full length Madison race in World Championships or Olympic Games.
Main Endurance Events
- Individual pursuit
- Team pursuit
- Scratch race
- Points race
- Madison
- Omnium
Email: [email protected] for further information
Source link
