Entering Track Cycling

Giant Phil

Hi all

I've been into road and time trialling for a while now, and the track has caught my attention and I've been reading into it quite abit recently. I've also looked on the main indoor velodrome websites nearest to me down in devon, the likely possibilities being cardiff or manchester, trouble is, the websites are alittle vague.

I'm sixteen, and would love to get involved, on a curiousity level, was wondering how people got into the discipline, and could offer ideas of how I might. I'm aware of the 'taster' sessions, are they worth the time? is there a fast track way into a cycling league or similar?

Thanks, Phil

Pross

Newport will be the closest indoor velodrome to you by a long way. Thet do mixtures of drop in sessions which I believe you can turn up and ride but as a beginner the best option is probably to do one of the beginners courses. I'm on the waiting list and hoping to get on the March course. They do a session on a Saturday (I think) for younger riders so would be worth looking into that if you can get a regular lift up. Before doing any racing you will have to do an accreditation and the beginners courses should teach you what you need to know for that. Google Newport velodrome, the site isn't brilliant but does give some useful information and contact details.

oldwelshman

Also check put clubs down your way as I know there are a few who hold club sessions at Newport as I have seen them there a few times, sorry I cannot remember the names of the clubs.
Its a long way to go alone for a taster session.
Juniors also ride on a saturday there so that would be a possibility for you.
I know the site says its for u16 and not for beginners but if you have raced, done tt's and have decent bike handelling skills you could speak with the coaches and they would probably let you have a go and they would assess you before letting you join in.
http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=leisure.centres&contentid=CONT067624

trackworldcup

yeah newport velodrome is the place to go

bit far, but its the closest place

http://www.velodrome.org.uk/trackbeginners.html

Pross

My beginner's course starts Monday. Can't wait

nomadic4500

Just for your info, there is also a indoor velodrone in Calshot neat Southampton, though it is quite small with steep banking.

SteveR_100Milers

If you are serious about racing, then enrol on a beginners followed by improvers course. It's the quickest most satisfying way to get accredited, there are plenty of fast riders as well as slow ones doing these sessions for them to be as hard or as easy as you want, plus you will be a lot safer when you race and won't confuse the rest of the bunch or worse cause a pile up.

dave5n

Don't forget the outdoor tracks

oldwelshman

Notin this weather toooo cold