Track Cycling

cycling · racing · sports

Banked tracks. Track cycling happens on specially built oval tracks that are tilted or banked on the sides, kind of like a bowl. This banking helps cyclists lean into corners without slipping and lets them go faster around the curves.

Purpose-built bikes. Track bikes are super light and specially designed just for velodrome racing. They have no brakes and only one gear, making them faster and simpler than road bikes.

Amazing speeds. Track cyclists can reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour and sometimes even faster during sprints. The smooth indoor or outdoor tracks and aerodynamic position help them accelerate incredibly quickly.

Different events. Track cycling includes many exciting events like sprints, where two riders race head to head, and endurance races where cyclists go for many laps. Team events like team pursuit are also popular.

Olympic tradition. Track cycling has been part of the Olympics since the first modern games in 1896. It remains one of the most thrilling events at every Summer Olympics.