Track cycling is high-speed, high-intensity racing on a banked oval track called a velodrome. It’s one of the oldest competitive cycling disciplines—dating back to the late 19th century—and remains a staple of the Olympic Games, with riders pushing over 70 km/h and generating 2,000+ watts in explosive efforts. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
## What Is Track Cycling?
Track cycling takes place on a purpose-built oval track, typically 250 metres long, surfaced with European red pine, and banked at up to 45° on the bends. Riders compete on fixed-gear bikes with no brakes, racing either individually or in groups. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
[Image: Cyclists in colorful uniforms racing on a banked velodrome track during a competitive event ]
Key features:
– **No brakes, fixed gear**: The rear cog is fixed to the wheel, so pedaling backward slows you down
– **Banked turns**: Steep banking allows riders to maintain high speed through corners
– **Indoor or outdoor**: Most elite velodromes are indoors for year-round racing [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
## Sprint vs. Endurance Events
Track events fall into two main categories:
| Category | Events | Characteristics |
|———-|——–|—————–|
| **Sprint** | Sprint, Team Sprint, Keirin | Explosive power, sub-10-second bursts, riders reach 70+ km/h [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq) |
| **Endurance** | Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit, Points Race, Madison, Omnium, Scratch, Elimination | Longer distances, tactical racing, sustained power output [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool) |
### Olympic Events (6 total)
– **Sprint**: 3-lap tactical race, riders take turns leading before the final sprint [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Team Sprint**: 4km (men) or 3km (women), teams start on opposite sides [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Keirin**: Riders follow a motorized pacer (derny) that gradually increases speed before they sprint [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Omnium**: 4-bunch event on one day: scratch, tempo, elimination, and points race [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Team Pursuit**: 4km (men) or 3km (women), teams start opposite each other [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Madison**: 25km (women) or 40km (men), mass-start race with relay-style exchanges [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
[Image: Jamie Staff riding a 1 km time trial on a velodrome, in aero position with disc wheels ]
### Other Major Events
– **Individual Pursuit**: 4km (men) or 3km (women), two riders start opposite each other [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Points Race**: 15km (men) or 10km (women), mass-start with sprints for points [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Scratch Race**: Mass-start over set distance, first to finish wins [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Elimination**: Every two laps, the last rider across the line is eliminated until one remains [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
– **Kilometre Time Trial**: One-lap solo time trial (men) [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
## Elite Track Cyclists and Records
– **Harrie Lavreysen** (Netherlands) holds the record for most UCI Track World Champion titles, generating 2,000+ watts and reaching 70+ km/h in sprint events [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Filippo Ganna** holds the men’s UCI Hour Record: 56.792 km covered in October 2022 [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– Track cyclists are generally more muscular than road racers due to the explosive power demands [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
## Getting Started in Track Cycling
[Image: Group of cyclists racing on a banked velodrome with advertising banners ]
1. **Find a local velodrome**: Most offer beginner racing nights and training programs [usacycling](https://usacycling.org/article/ultimate-guide-to-getting-started-in-track-cycling)
2. **Bike requirements**: You’ll need a track bike (fixed gear, no brakes); many clubs provide loaner bikes for beginners [britishcycling.org](https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/getintotrackcycling)
3. **Membership**: Join a cycling club and get a track license for competition [britishcycling.org](https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/getintotrackcycling)
4. **Start with novice events**: Many velodromes hold “intro to track” sessions for first-timers [canyon](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/blog-content/road-cycling-news/track-cycling-beginners-guide/b16042024-1.html)
5. **Gear**: Tight-fitting kit, helmet, and often track-specific shoes [britishcycling.org](https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/getintotrackcycling)
## Why Track Cycling Is Exciting
– **Speed**: Riders reach 70+ km/h on short sprints [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Tactics**: Strategic positioning, drafting, and timing are crucial, especially in sprint races [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Proximity**: Riders are often inches apart, with no room for error [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Spectacle**: The velodrome atmosphere is electric, with royalty (lap) bells and dramatic finishes [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
– **Purity**: It’s pure speed and power, independent of weather or road conditions [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
## Track Bikes vs. Road Bikes
| Feature | Track Bike | Road Bike |
|———|———–|———–|
| **Gears** | Fixed gear, single ratio | Multiple gears, derailleur |
| **Brakes** | None | Front and rear brakes |
| **Dropout** | Horizontal (for chain tension) | Vertical |
| **Weight** | Lightweight, rigid | Light but more compliance |
| **Handlebars** | Often bullhorn or drop bars | Drop bars |
Track bikes are built for explosive power and minimal drag, with no accessories to slow you down. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
## The History
Track racing dates to the end of the 19th century, with the first World Championships held in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair. Professional riders were allowed from 1895, and track cycling was part of the first modern Olympics in 1896, with five titles awarded. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
[Image: Original Aero Special track bicycle from circa 1910, on display in the Bike Museum ]
## Ready to Ride?
Track cycling offers a unique blend of raw power, tactical depth, and pure adrenaline. Whether you’re chasing Olympic glory or just looking for a fun, community-driven way to ride harder and faster, the velodrome is the place to be. With 22 UCI World Champion titles awarded each year and a rich history spanning over 130 years, track cycling continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/about-track-cycling/1du7QkAFLchuURUZw3eool)
Find your local velodrome, grab a track bike, and feel the rush of riding on the banked track—where every second counts and the race is pure truth. [uci](https://www.uci.org/article/what-is-track-cycling/6yFQsdYGiuw1bIWiLS6Hxq)
