Steven Burke at an indoor velodrome

Youth track races - outdoor track

Fast and Furious: Track racing is the type of cycling at which Great Britain does very well at the Olympic Games. It is fast, furious and requires significant skill and judgment. Track racing is ideal for youth riders, its exciting and accessible.

Tracks: Track racing takes place on short specially built tracks consisting of two tight, banked corners joined by two short straights. Tracks range hugely in length - outdoor tracks usually being longer and with shallower bankings - but Olympic and World Championship Track racing is generally held on indoor 250m wooden tracks, such as at Manchester Velodrome. Many outdoor tracks are concrete or tarmac surfaced.

Bikes: Track bikes are relatively simple, lacking the gears and brakes of their Road cousins. Bikes have a fixed wheel (forcing you to pedal continuously) with the rider controlling speed through pressure applied to the pedals. Bikes with conventional dropped handlebars, traditional spoked or carbon spoked wheels are are used for bunch races, Keirin and Match Sprint. Low-profile bikes, with extended "triathalon" style bars, allow the rider to adopt a more aerodynamic position are used for Pursuit races and Kilo and 500m Time Trial. Wheels are often four-spoked carbon or carbon disc. Handling and  manoeuvrability are sacrificed for aerodynamic efficiency.

Races: Track events can be split into two main types Sprint events, which generally last for less than two minutes and Endurance events which can be up to 40km in length.

Local Riders: Steven Burke is our local Olympic star. Martin Woffindin, Sam Boast and Nathan Smedley ride in the track leagues at Manchester Velodrome, and have all participated in National level youth events. There are a number of Pendle and Burnley senior cyclists who regularly ride the Manchester Velodrome track.