Cycling discipline
Track Cycling
Track cycling is racing on a velodrome, an oval banked track, using fixed-gear bikes with no brakes across sprint and endurance events.
Overview
Track cycling is contested on a velodrome, a smooth oval track with steeply banked turns that let riders carry high speed through the curves.
Riders use fixed-gear bikes that have a single gear and no brakes, so slowing is done by controlling pedalling resistance rather than braking.
Events divide broadly into sprint disciplines, decided over short explosive efforts, and endurance disciplines raced over longer distances and many laps.
What defines it
- Takes place on a banked velodrome designed for sustained high speed.
- Bikes are fixed-gear, with no brakes and no freewheel.
- Sprint events reward explosive speed, while endurance events test sustained pace and race-reading.
- Includes both individual and team formats such as sprints, pursuits, and mass-start races.
- Steep banking allows riders to hold speed through the corners.
Getting started
- 1Many velodromes run introductory sessions where beginners can try a track bike in a controlled setting.
- 2Get used to a fixed-gear bike, since the pedals keep turning whenever the bike is moving.
- 3Begin low on the track and work up the banking gradually as confidence grows.
Other Cycling disciplines
The forms of Cycling sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Track Cycling to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- CyclingA low-impact endurance sport that doubles as transport, exercise and adventure.
- TriathlonA multi-sport endurance event that links swimming, cycling and running into one continuous race.
- Mountain BikingAn off-road cycling sport ridden on rugged trails, mixing endurance, bike handling and outdoor adventure.
- Speed SkatingA racing sport on long-bladed skates, powering around an ice oval or tight indoor track with long, rhythmic strides.
- Water PoloA demanding team sport played in deep water, blending swimming endurance with tactics.
Rules
Facilities
Techniques
- Cycling CadenceThe technique of pedalling at a smooth, steady rhythm and choosing a gear that keeps the legs turning efficiently.
- Standing ClimbA cycling technique for climbing out of the saddle, standing on the pedals to add power on steep gradients.
- Sprint StartThe explosive start of a sprint from a set, crouched position, driving forward low before gradually rising to full stride.
Cycling