Track Cycling Races Explained!

[@gcnracing]

Let us know which your favourite is!

[@philipcooper8297]

Keirin is the best track cycling event.

[@ericlakor3133]

Elimination is definitely a favorite. You've got to outdo other races as many laps as there are parcipants. It's intense full beans!!

[@dormantat]

Tandem sprinting. I don’t know if it’s done much nowadays, but I remember seeing it live in the Commonwealth Games as a kid.

[@ScottyWoodworker]

The Miss n Out is my favorite to race then the Keirin.

[@dormantat]

See here for some tandem sprinting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LGk4CbgLGKlac

[@JanHolgerOlof]

So, with more track content coming, can we expect Manon to get a GCN jersey with Euro stripes for the track stuff then? Let her show off the bling a bit!

[@marekholub8668]

No, as she won in junior and U23 categories. She can't wear the stripes anymore.

[@marekholub8668]

She could have the British stripes for Team pursuit, tho.

[@JanHolgerOlof]

@@marekholub8668 ah, yeah right. thanks for pointing that out. british stripes might be a nice touch too though. It's not like they came cheap

[@prepor584]

I don't remember when I first watched a track cycling race, but I remember laughing my ass off when the ref had to step in and force the contestants to stop sizing each other up and actually ride the friggin bikes. I have been in love ever since.

[@ruan13o]

That still feels weird to me; especially that a 'Sprint' race might come to a halt and for the first few laps is actually really slow. The pursuit race is what I have in my mind when you talk about a sprint race; super fast flat out racing. But the name 'pursuit' seems weird too as they are never really pursuing anyone. I guess in some extreme circumstances you could catch up to the other team/individual so you've pursued them but in normal situations where people are reasonably matched that never happens.

[@nt2883]

I recently took part in my first ever Madison. There are no words to describe the sheer ass clenching terror of attempting to negotiate that chaos as a novice. Absolutely pumped for the next one....

[@kathyljohnson6203]

Good timing coming into the Olympic track events! Thanks, Euro-Points-Champion!!

[@razzwilmz7970]

Coincidence...I think not.

[@njohnson3331]

I wish I would have seen this before the Olympics. This was very insightful.

[@richardharris8538]

Forty-something years ago, I visited the (now defunct) Olympic velodrome in Montreal. I was accompanied by a group of colleagues - Chinese, Japanese, and Korean guys, visiting from Toronto. We were sightseeing in the Olympic village one evening, and stumbled upon the Quebec track championships. I was able to explain the rules of each event, and they all enjoyed the free entertainment.

[@AmazinJ89]

Needed this for the Paris 2024 Olympics

[@ariellevin3008]

Can you possibly do a video on Master Track riders. This can prove that we are not dead after a certain age. I'm a 70 year old woman who has taken up track and I'm not alone. There are many of us... putting down great times and showing the cycling world we have what it takes to be role models.

[@urszuladonigiewicz]

Useful video. Thank you Manon and GCN.

[@gcnracing]

Glad you liked it!

[@All4Grogg]

That was a mountain of info packed into a 9 minute video delivered clear and concise. Well done!

[@suekirk9271]

Oh wow. Thanks Manon. I’ve never ridden a track event as I’m usually working at them but I LOVE the buzz in the velodrome and the excitement of the racing.

[@martinandersson5833]

That was a great video! Would love to see the GCN team do some sort of track relay/competition👍👏

[@gcnracing]

Thanks, Martin! We're working on a lot more track content at the moment - so keep your eyes peeled!

[@MrAusterror]

@@gcnracing a VS series with representation from the other GCN channels would be awesome.

[@NANCHILJDEEKSHITH]

Fantastic work Manon, you were so clear.

[@JonathanPoppele]

Great commentary. Nice, clear descriptions of each track event. The video editing is really confusing, though, and does not match the commentary at all. Instead, it seemed to jump randomly between events, showing multiple riders on the track as Mannon described the flying 200, for example. Why not consistently show what Mannon is describing? Strange...

[@roderashe]

Thanks Manon and team. Super helpful for this old roadie!

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

I had no idea that there were so many different track disciplines. :-)

[@andrew7taylor]

It's like athletics / track and field. It's more of a collective noun than a single sport with a single winner.

[@event4216]

6:17 I love those disco/space era silver sock boots! To infinity and beyond!

[@nancyhoward781]

I knew some of the diciplines but was in the dark that there was so many more. Girl knows her stuff by the way. Great job.

[@PsyX99]

So... when do we have a Global Track Cycling Network again ?

[@cunningtim]

The Madison is also my favourite. My grandfather told me about watching Madisons-at its namesake Madison Square Garden in NY, which was then an indoor wooden velodrome. Much gambling went on at the races.

[@bastinjieber5194]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUTTING ALL THIS OUT FOR US TRACK AND FIXED GEAR ENTHUSIATS

[@davidsorensen1769]

Thank you Manon and GCN for well timed and informative content delivery:-)

[@carlfisher7465]

Thanks Manon, you're a LEGEND, luvly girl!!! Does anyone know there are plans to demolish this wonderful track in Cardiff??? PLEASE SIGN THE ON-LINE PETITION TO SAVE MAINDY VELODROME!!!

[@cheeheifoo9282]

Thanks! Needed this although I've been watching track cycling for a while and scratching my head! Should have watched this first!

[@peteranderson6935]

My favourite's the Derny race, now and again at Scunthorpe, where Duncan puts the Youth riders each behind a Senior "Derny". Great fun.

[@richnerd8757]

Wow, last week I asked for a video describing track disciplines, and here we are. I guess the saying “ask and you shall receive” really is true! Alright, let’s make it two for two, how about a video about some notable track cyclists through history! And it HAS to feature Major Taylor!

[@ktran713]

Sprint and Team Sprint are my favorites. Here we also do the Win and Out (opposite of the Elimination) quite often. That’s very intense and fun.

[@jacobgaylord9277]

These all sound fascinating, I feel like we need to see the presenters try these different races out !

[@samuelfawdry6411]

The Elimination Race and the Madison are my favourite ones to watch

[@pauldenali6367]

Wonderfully explained. But its so complicated I don't think I'd pass a test just now on how it all works. I do wish there was more coverage of track racing though.

[@arklat]

Waaaaay back in the 1970's.I raced on the track. It was fun!

[@lisaswe]

Maybe I should pick up Madison racing so I can hold hands with somebody 🤔

[@sayeesaran]

I had no idea that track cycling had so many disciplines until now! Thank you Manon the European Points Champion!

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Just in time for the Olympics. 👍 Can you also explain six-day races? My relatives often mentioned they visited them in the 70s and 80s.

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

old clip but relevant. 6 dat tracks usually shorter than olympic tarck, makes for more exciting racing as lap gains are easier than on a 333m track. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGqVlotmgc2VfMk

[@ianhutchinson4475]

Great video, I can't wait to actually watch the track events now and know what's going on

[@ChrisSmith-rp6rx]

Is that Maindy, Cardiff? Won a few bike races there. Amazing place Shame that it's being demolished 😢

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

Good for you! My colleague still remember how heavily he crashed on a tarmac track in seventies. Competing in a cotton suit, on a fixie, over such a surface - well, many things could go wrong... ;) PS Have forgotten about straps!

[@bubblesezblonde]

Wow there was a lot to learn in such a very short and enchanting vid!

[@davidf2281]

Properly interesting and educational video. Nice work.

[@gcnracing]

Thank you very much!

[@Tibovl]

Nice flexing, Manon 👌

[@petersands4449]

Thank you! This was really helpful.

[@everactivedad]

Dude mannon thank you so much!

[@monty2078]

Thank you, I always was confused by the track disciplines.

[@francescograssi2913]

The Welsh guy with the blue bike, rob right? Is aces!

[@pokie0622]

Great description. the Madison is a crazy race that i struggle to follow who is in first… :)

[@kylehagertybanana]

madison looks super cool I love it

[@jabehauber]

Could we see Manon at work on the track please? Looks like it would be cracking.

[@starkparker16]

I know all about track racing. I watch for Manon.

[@JustOneWolf]

Austria decided to just demolish our only velodrome, so we have no possibility to ride track anymore :X

[@spooky8662]

I'd love a bike spotlight of your track bike. It looks awesome

[@jeskli11]

Looks like I should rewatch it and take notes, haha! Great explanation though.

[@gilyehezkel240]

Maindy looking good! , very sad to see it go if the rumours are true, as someone who never had the opportunity to try track cycling before sneaking over the wall when empty maindy has been instrumental to my love of track bikes , I hope the planned new velodrome in Cardiff bay will also be open for people to just ride on, the more exclusive the track is, the less accessible!

[@redalert2834]

No batons to pass and drop in the Madison? Perhaps they should just touch hands in the athletics relay races, or a pat on the back that leaves an obvious smudge would do.

[@_Oli___]

For longer relays (ie 4xMile) this is what they do. Half the fun of sprint relays (in my opinion) is the jeopardy of a baton and the skill in the handover

[@atrun]

Please please make more track cycling content

[@martinbrodie8507]

Excellent commentary.

[@super8hell]

Yaay, Maindy Velodrome in Cardiff!

[@gethind-j2390]

soon to be no more

[@The1trueDave]

Thanks to Manon I very nearly understood the Madison! Up until now I assumed it was a sort of cycling equivalent of Mornington Crescent, or the Caucus Race from Alice In Wonderland. It was very tempting to assume that they were just trolling roadies basically :-)

[@KitagumaIgen]

Manon, which event did you win again - I didn't hear you clearly, could you repeat?

[@asork]

more track videos please

[@michaelganshirt8795]

My heading is spinning! I had no idea that there were so many different races under the "track" umbrella! This type of riding would seems foreign and anxiety-provoking to me. I'm sure that I would be rubbish at it. I would like to spectate, in person though.

[@zbieguzbiegu]

Manon is my favourite ;-)

[@guest_informant]

Keirin is basically greyhound racing but on bikes. To make it even more, er, realistic maybe the cyclists should be chasing something, a slice of cake say, the way greyhounds chase a "rabbit".

[@vdiffdave]

They should chase a 150% scale GCN presenter with thighs like oak trees

[@kc0lif]

thank you manon. 🥰🥰 the dingy still gas.

[@sally4026]

Thank you!

[@djakaonlineacct3634]

Track Standing.. thats my event :p

[@huskeyboy]

Will there be any race coverage / highlights from the London 6 day this year?

[@oldanslo]

Eurosport used to broadcast a number of the 6 day races including London. No highlights - show the entire race. Watching a cut-up points race is maddening.

[@huskeyboy]

Awesome! I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks

[@ysasworld8409]

Thanks

[@ivarbrouwer197]

Normally being a winter discipline, do we now get this content because of the olympics? (Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great content!)

[@noviceofthelaw]

More track content pls

[@philmcaleer6289]

MORE!!

[@roanterry9351]

Manon should do a bike check !

[@galenkehler]

Track cycling should be added to the Winter Olympics, since it's a winter sport :)

[@Dexxyh]

It would require ice or snow. That's a problem they run into with cyclocross

[@markkeup3743]

It's a summer sport in most of the USA, only a couple of covered tracks in our country.

[@roberteltze4850]

I thought the goal of the pursuit was too catch up to the other rider and doing so was an instant win. Though it rarely happens so they fall back in fastest time to decide the victor. Also you left out the longest lap competition.

[@coreygolphenee9633]

Keirin is the most entertaining and its not close

[@user-ik9gw4wh4c]

Got to be the Madison.

[@sacevedoneira]

Omnium is the best cycling event in the world period

[@Awol991]

The sprint where you see people doing track stands. Seems really strange.

[@MrRoybob]

That track looks HUGE. What is it 1/4 mile?

[@graemeboswell3432]

About 460-480 metres. It's Maindy track in Cardiff.

[@MrRoybob]

@@graemeboswell3432 thanks! That’s over a 1/4 mile! When I raced track I thought we had a big track at 335 meters

[@firesurfer]

460 meters

[@hollownexus9316]

Is that the velodrome in Cardiff or am I being crazy

[@hibachibbq405]

Do riders use toe straps in any of the events?

[@nstrug]

Clipless pedals (just like road pedals, usually Look Keos) but for some events they use an additional strap for security.

[@Fetucinee]

Serious question: I see the cyclists featured here in tights but do their kits have a full chamois? Most the races are so brief I'm wondering if one's required.

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

They are not wearing tights they wearing bib shorts and these days they have coolmax inserts not chamois. You still need proper shorts. You also only see the race but for every race there is usually a warm up routine on rollers for between 30 and 45 minutes with high intensity efforts and warm downs. You wont see they also warm down on rollers.

[@Fetucinee]

@@0ldw3lshm4n Thank you.

[@TheMateyl]

It's interesting and maybe a bit unfair that track cycling gets 11 olympic events while road racing gets 2.

[@ReemerFeddes]

Which other 9 events would you like to add to road racing?

[@zon3ful]

@@ReemerFeddes monocycle race maybe?

[@TheMateyl]

@@ReemerFeddes Track cycling doesnt need all of them :) But with road cycling it doesnt really make sense, yes. Maybe a flat and mountain stage and TTT. But thats a problem in general, team sports also get one medal for the whole tournament and swimming gets like a thousand.

[@andrew7taylor]

Not all track events are olympics events though, far from it. Currently only the team sprint, the team pursuit, the sprint, the madison, keirin and the omnium are.

[@TheMateyl]

@@andrew7taylor I see, thanks

[@MichaelWitzel]

Which gear do you choose? Is it given by the rules? How do you break?

[@markkeup3743]

You choose your gearing based on the race and how you are feeling.

[@nstrug]

Choose your own gear. There are no brakes, you can slow yourself by exerting back pressure on the pedals.

[@Dexxyh]

I enjoy the atmosphere of track racing and watch it regularly, but I must say it's a few too many disciplines for me. I usually skip keirin and the madison

[@HoldenAdventures]

GCN plus coverage?

[@xtrailz]

I put all of these disciplines under the general title of "weird bike racing"

[@nigeldepledge3790]

Sounds about right to me.

[@a-kazebo-z5139]

As a roadie, This is UFO information but very helpful…..what gears these bikes use???? (53-11) weight on bikes….carbon, steel, aluminum?????

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

Almost every bike is carbon frame, though some train on steel, I had Hoy's old 853 frame I raced on at Welyn. Gears vary depending on ability and race. Typical is 86" for training. 92" or 96" for bunch racing. For IP depends, 96" upwards. International TP riders may go over 110" as they av speed is over 40mph. If you try to use too high a gear in a bunch race you would struggle to start even, then struggle closing gaps, accelerating, sprint etc. By the time you get turning high gear sprint would be over. Interested to know what gear Manon used in euros scratch, 96" ? I once raced in word masters race in Portugal and guy had the biggest chainring I ever saw lol He got dropped at the start.It is the low gears and high cadence that catch roadies out and it takes a year or more to get used to it, some never do. Typical av speed for even a masters endurance race is 30mph. Seen many a tt's on track brag about a 20min 10 mile tt and not be able to keep up even on training routines.

[@a-kazebo-z5139]

Excellent answer,,,I have an old track frame in storage from the 80’s,,, It will be my next project ,,,, thank you

[@GPflashclass]

Is a hand sling legal in a road race?

[@Kippcom]

nope

[@nigeldepledge3790]

What's the discipline in which the riders try their hardest to not be in front, so the first lap usually takes several minutes while each rider tries to spot an opportunity to break away from the other?

[@octopus253]

Do you mean the world longest lap? That's an exhibition event that was made popular by the uk evolution series.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

@@octopus253 - I don't think that's it. It's basically a two-person race where the drafting advantage is so big that neither rider wants to be in front at the start. So they basically ride as slowly as they possibly can until they can see or create an opportunity to start riding hard while the other isn't paying attention. Or something.

[@octopus253]

@@nigeldepledge3790 that's "the sprint" that you qualify for with the flying 200m

[@nigeldepledge3790]

@@octopus253 - Ah, right. Thanks.

[@dormantat]

Are all tracks the same length? All the races seem to be specified as a number of laps. Is there a requirement for the steepness of the banking? The track in this video is a lot less banked than a wooden indoor track.

[@oldanslo]

There are many different lengths to velodromes. But the current standard for velodromes used in the Olympics is 250m. There is no standard shape or banking angle either as some have long straights and shorter radius turns (cigar shape) while others have shorter straights and longer radius turns (bowl shape). Banking angles for 250m tracks tend to be around 42 degrees though. Typically, the longer the turn radius, the shallower the banking.

[@jhanlon1954]

How can you talk about pursuit, without mentioning the catch?

[@bowlingwangke]

The presenter 😘

[@darndarndarn]

why dont we see more Road cycling riders on "track events" in the Olympics? Like I'd assume Cavendish or similar riders would be good team/individual pursuit/sprint

[@octopus253]

Your road sprinters can't hold a candle to the pro track sprinters when it comes to real sprinting on the track. But that's not to say they don't suit the mass start races.

[@jameswitte5676]

Are track bikes fixies or single speed?

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

Fixed wheel.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

Should a former European champion have different coloured sleeves to their cycling kit?

[@pembrokeshiredan]

Why are all the women's races shorter?

[@iansutton8802]

Still don’t know what the TT is. Didn’t really feel it was properly explained. Is it a kid riding on his own? Manon did say it was a pretty simple event.

[@andrew7taylor]

If you're here, you know what a time trial is. One guy riding against the clock. On the track, it's 500 m for the women, 1 km for the men. It's also called the kilo. It's probably the most exhausting event as it's too short to hold anything back, but too long for anyone being able to hold onto top speed. The distance is the only difference between the kilo and the pursuit. Sprinters are better over the shorter distance but you need a proper time trialist for the longer event.

[@iansutton8802]

@@andrew7taylor thank you Andrew. I didn't actually make the connection. Doh. But thanks for the explanation.

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

the TT event is an event for sprinters as it is short distance. The kilo used to be an olympic event but no longer. They use the TT to seed riders for the sprint competition which Manon explained. Although it is a short event it is impossible to do them flat out or you suffer and finish slow and loose time. It still needs pacing not to loose power on last lap.

[@ls-nt9bg]

what about LONGEST LAP tho ???

[@japphan]

Track racing looks exiting and all, but is it metal?

[@japphan]

@MRGRUMPY53 The racing.

[@oldanslo]

It's not metal. It's post-metal.

[@SirPhillyLeong]

GCN presenters Keirin event.