Nine reasons to try track cycling this winter

Not into the muddy school playing fields of cyclocross? There is another way... and it doesn't require monthly mech hanger replacements

National cycling centre, Manchester. Image: Andy Jones

'Cross is coming' seems to be a regular motto for racing cyclists once winter rolls around, but for those that would rather not spend a Saturday afternoon knee deep in Muc-Off and scouring local bike shops for the correct replacement mech hanger, track cycling is another excellent option.

The key detractor from track cycling is usually the travel time required to get to a velodrome, but converts will tell you that the fitness and technique dividends are so great that an hour on the track can be easily equal to two hours on the road so the time investment is worthwhile.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan

Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.