José Raeiro :: ASTRONOMIA

You may not familiar or only few knows about track cycling. But what is track cycling by the way? And what are the equipments used in this kind of sport?

Track cycling is a sport played generally in the summer that requires a lot of practices, specialized bicycles and conducted using tracks called “Velodromes”. These track have 180 degree circular bends that are connected using two straights. It has super elevation or turn banking generally ten to fifteen degrees that helps the riders in riding perpendicular to the surface at a specific speed. The materials used in this tracks are from synthetics, timber, concrete, macadam, cinder etc. The length of the cycling track are from 200 meters, the shortest up to 450 meters the longest. Standard length for Olympic is 250 meters long. Track bikes are incredibly stiff, strong and rigid. Since pedals are put directly on the rear wheel and it only moves when you pedal, brakes are not present.

Other equipments that require riders to used for track racing are aerodynamic and one-piece skin suits to makes you lighter and and air will not accumulate inside the clothing.

The track events where in fixed track frames and drop handlebars are used are Madison, Match Sprint, Olympic Sprint, Keirin, and Points races, but aerodynamic handlebars with similar frame tracks are one kilometer Time Trial (men), 500 meter Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, and Team Pursuit.

In Match Sprint there are two riders who will lead in the laps, one will lead the first lap and the other will lead the second lap. This track event will be hold over 1000 meters. It is often thought as the cleanest and the purest of all track events.