Track cycling
Track is one of the purest forms of bike racing. With no brakes, gears or potholes to worry about, all a track rider needs to concentrate on is beating their opponents. It is an ideal place for a young cyclist to start as a banked cycling track provides a traffic and pedestrian free environment on which to learn key cycling skills and tactics.
>>> Read more about Olympic cycling
There are many different types of races on the track - several of which are explained in our guide to track racing - all of which will be classified as either a sprint or endurance event. Like road cycling, it means there's a race to suit every type of rider - except climbers.
Although track racing doesn't have the major annual events like the Tour de France to boost its appeal, it is the cornerstone of cycling in the Olympic movement with events such as the team pursuit and sprint dating back to the the early 19 hundreds. The International calendar of World Cups runs through the winter, culminating with the world championships in February or March, while events on outdoor tracks continue through the summer, making it a year-round sport.
Key riders: Laura Trott (GBR) | Jason Kenny (GBR) | Sir Bradley Wiggins (GBR) | Anna Meares (AUS) | Francois Pervis (FRA)
Key reading: British Cycling's lottery funded revolution | Sir Chris Hoy's medal tally
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Back to school - Ryan Owens on training for the Olympics while studying for a masters in business
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By Andy McGrath • Published
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Extinction Rebellion stages anti-Shell protest at British Track Champs
Two people carried a banner through the stands at Newport's Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
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Inside British Cycling's £1 wind tunnel
Cycling Weekly goes behind the scenes of the new medal factory on British Cycling's doorstep
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Inside the secret race at the Track Champions League
Cycling Weekly lifts the lid on the private points contests ridden out of the spotlight
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'Chris Hoy said the British coaches may be kicking themselves’ - Britain’s lost track cycling champion
British-born Australian Matthew Richardson has fast become one of the world's best track sprinters
By Tom Davidson • Published
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Live watch parties, multiple camera angles but no rider interaction - here's what cycling in the metaverse will look like
Next weekend's Track Champions League rounds will offer fans a new level of immersion
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
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Katie Archibald gets back to winning ways at Track Champions League
The defending endurance champion is up to second after the competition's second round
By Tom Davidson • Published
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Zero to hero: A budding cyclist tries out riding track for the first time
Adam Becket cycles a lot, but never before has he taken to the boards. The 2024 Olympic velodrome beckoned
By Adam Becket • Published
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Five Dutch sprinters squeezed in a van: Life behind the glamour of the Track Champions League
Now in its second year, the competition takes riders back to their early racing days
By Tom Davidson • Published