TRACK RACING
Racing on a banked velodrome is becoming very popular in Britain. British Cycling has a very successful track cycling team. With no traffic to worry about like when competing on the open road you can really concentrate and enjoy the fast and furious racing. Track racing bikes are different from conventional racing bikes. You have no gears and no brakes, just a fixed rear wheel.
The National Cycle Centre in Manchester is one of the steepest tracks used regularly for racing at 45%, the norm for an outdoor track is 12 - 15%. The best way to begin track racing is through an introductory session at one of the National tracks. These often run during the school holidays or can be organised by your club.
Unfortunately for Spalding CC members we do not have a local Velodrome, however many members do participate in track racing and travel to Welwyn Garden City on Friday evenings for their track league.
An alternative to velodrome racing is Grass Track racing. This is very popular in rural Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and offers a summer alternative to track racing. Similar bikes are used and races are run in the same style.
Simon Hare at Mildenhall Cycle Rally 2005