Track cycling

Track cycling is a specialized bicycle racing sport. It takes place on specially built tracks called velodromes. These tracks feature steeply banked turns to help riders maintain high speeds.

The sport is defined by intense speed and tactical skill. It serves as a vital training ground for many professional road racers. In some regions, it is a major spectator event. For example, the keirin is a very popular betting sport in Japan.

To achieve maximum velocity, riders use purpose-designed track bicycles. These bikes are fixed-gear, meaning they have no freewheel mechanism. They also lack brakes entirely. The frames are engineered for extreme rigidity and lightness. Many modern frames use molded carbon fiber to save weight.

Engineers often use airfoil designs on the tubes to reduce aerodynamic drag. This drag is the resistance caused by the rider moving through the air. To combat this, riders use narrow tires inflated to very high pressure. These components work together to ensure the bike can handle the stresses of high-speed racing.

Racing formats are divided into two broad categories: sprint and endurance. Sprint races are short, typically lasting only 3 to 8 laps. These events focus on raw power and immediate tactical decisions. Major sprint events include the Team Sprint, the individual Sprint, and the Keirin.

Endurance races are much longer and test a rider's stamina and capacity. These include the Individual Pursuit, the Omnium, and the Madison. The Madison is a specific type of race involving two-rider teams. Because of these different requirements, riders usually specialize in only one category.

Track cycling has a history dating back to at least 1870. Early velodromes were often outdoors and varied greatly in length. These tracks ranged from 130 meters to 500 meters long. In the early days, indoor tracks became popular because they allowed for year-round racing. They also allowed organizers to charge entrance fees to spectators. Early racing centers in Britain included cities like London and Manchester.

The sport has appeared in nearly every modern Olympic Games. Women's events were officially added to the Olympics in 1988. Since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, most racing has moved indoors to avoid hot weather.

Modern international velodromes follow specific standards to ensure fair competition. Since 1990, these tracks are typically built to a length of 250 meters. The UCI Track Cycling World Championships are held annually, usually in March or April. In 2024, there were 22 events at the World Championships. This included 11 events for men and 11 for women. Riders qualify for these championships through the World Cup Classic series. This series consists of six meetings held between October and January.

Aerodynamics significantly influence how a rider sits on their bike. In timed events like the pursuit, riders use aerobars. These are special handlebars that allow the arms to be positioned close to the body. This creates a more horizontal back and a smaller frontal area. This reduction in surface area helps the rider slice through the air more efficiently. Some riders even use a technique called drafting or slipstreaming. A rider follows closely behind another to use the air pushed aside by the leader. This allows the following rider to travel fast while using less energy.

Track cycling also provides a venue for prestigious speed records. One of the most famous is the hour record. In this challenge, a cyclist attempts to ride as far as possible in exactly sixty minutes. Some athletes attempt this at high-altitude locations like Mexico City. The thinner air at high altitudes results in lower aerodynamic drag. This can help offset the difficulty of breathing in the thinner atmosphere. These records represent the absolute limits of human strength and machine engineering.