Fixed gear, no brakes, steep banking and a bunch inches apart. Track cycling is fast, technical and brilliant fun. London has some of the best places in the country to start.
Watch: How a Track Coach Actually Designs a Session. More on our YouTube channel.
Where to ride
Lee Valley VeloPark. The 2012 Olympic velodrome. Start with a taster session, then work through accreditation to ride open sessions and race in the leagues.
Herne Hill Velodrome. An outdoor track in south London with a long history, sessions for all ages and a friendly club scene.
What you need
To start, very little. Most velodromes hire track bikes and helmets for taster sessions. Later you may want your own track bike: fixed gear, no brakes, and a gear suited to the track and your racing. Our gear calculator shows rollout and gear inches, and checks youth limits.
The fitness it takes
Track racing is short and intense. Sprinting, repeated accelerations and the ability to recover quickly. Build a solid aerobic base, then add how to sprint faster and short, hard cycling intervals, types and zones. Riding how to ride rollers is great for leg speed and a smooth pedal stroke.
The races
Sprint events: sprint, keirin, time trial.
Endurance events: scratch, points race, elimination, madison, omnium.
Track leagues: weekly racing that is the best way to learn.
I have spent more than eleven years at Lee Valley VeloPark and raced six-day events in Belgium. If you want to get into track, we can help, from your first session to your first league.
Your first session
Book a taster or beginner session online.
Wear normal cycling kit and bring water. Bikes and helmets are usually provided.
Expect a briefing on track rules and how to ride a fixed gear.
You will start low on the track and work up the banking as you get confident.
Nearly everyone finishes grinning.
Track etiquette
Look over your shoulder before moving up the track.
Faster riders pass on the outside.
Never stop pedalling on a fixed gear. Ease off gradually.
Stay above the blue band unless racing.
Track for young riders
Track is brilliant for young riders: safe, traffic-free and great for skills and speed. Gear restrictions apply, which our gear calculator checks. See our youth coaching.
Next step
Want to race on the boards? That is what we do with our riders every week. See how coaching works, or book a free call.
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