Track cycling is cycling in its purest form: no derailleur, no brakes, just you and a fixed gear on the banked track. The speeds are breathtaking, the races tactically complex, and the atmosphere electric.

The fascination lies in the reduction to the essentials: a wheel, a track, maximum performance. Track cycling has a long Olympic tradition and offers disciplines for sprinters and endurance athletes alike. From explosive sprints to tactical pursuit races – the track has something for everyone.

The cycling track

Velodromes are specially constructed ovals: Standard length: 250 m (Olympics), but 200 m, 333 m, or 400 m also exist. Banked curves: 42–45 degrees – steep enough to prevent sliding wide at high speeds. Surface: wood (Siberian spruce ideal) or concrete. Lines: blue line (Côte d'Azur), black timing line, red sprinter's line.

The disciplines – overview

Sprint disciplines: Sprint, Keirin, Team Sprint – explosive power and tactics. Endurance disciplines: Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit, Points Race, Madison, Omnium – aerobic power and tactical skill. Time trial: 1 km (men) / 500 m (women) – pure anaerobic performance.

Track bikes are optimized for speed and simplicity – no unnecessary components.

Frame

Material: Carbon for racing bikes, steel or aluminum for training bikes. Geometry: Steeper, more aggressive than road bikes. Short wheelbase for maneuverability. High stiffness for power transfer. UCI rules: Traditional frame shape prescribed (no aerodynamic fairings on the frame itself).

drive

Fixed gear: No freewheel hub – the chain is always engaged. Shifting is not possible. Braking is achieved by applying counter-pressure to the pedals. Gear ratio: Varies depending on the discipline. Sprint: Very high gears (50/14 or similar). Endurance: Easier gears (49/15 or similar).

wheels

Disc or spoked wheels: Disc wheels: Aerodynamic, but susceptible to crosswinds (only on the rear or on both sides in time trials). Spoked wheels: More versatile, preferred in tactical races. Carbon is standard on racing bikes.

No brakes

Track bikes have no brakes: unnecessary weight. Braking on the track is not done (or only through counter-pressure). Safety is ensured by track traffic rules.

handlebars

Depending on the discipline: Endurance: Slightly curved drop handlebars. Sprint: Special sprint handlebars for a better power position. Time trial: Aero handlebars allowed.

The sprint disciplines are spectacular – incredible acceleration and tactical finesse.

Sprint (Match Sprint)

Two (or three) riders over 2-3 laps. Only the last 200 meters are timed. Tactical game: Who leads? Who attacks when? Battles for position at near standstill (surplace). Qualification via a 200-meter time trial with a flying start.

Keirin

Originating in Japan – a multi-million dollar betting business there. 6-8 riders behind a motorcycle (Derny). The motorcycle accelerates to approximately 50 km/h, then swings out. Free sprint over the last 2.5 laps. Tactics: Position behind the motorcycle is critical. Speeds: Up to 70+ km/h.

Team sprint

Three riders per team. Each rider leads for one lap, then winds down. The time of the last rider counts. Extremely coordinated – timing of the wind-down is critical. Requires: A pure sprinter, a good starter, and a fast finisher.

Requirements for Sprinter

Maximum power output: 2,000+ watts for elite sprinters. Speed: Explosive start. Tactical understanding: When to attack? Mental fortitude: Psychological games in sprinting.

The endurance disciplines require high VO2max and FTP as well as tactical skill.

Individual Pursuit

4 km (men) / 3 km (women). Two riders start on opposite sides of the track. Goal: To catch up with the other or to ride a faster time. Pacing: Near VO2max for 4+ minutes. One of the toughest individual disciplines.

Team Pursuit

4 km, teams of 4 riders. Riders take turns at the front. Time is stopped at the 3rd rider. Perfect coordination required – millimeters apart. World record (men): Under 3:45 min.

Points Race

25-40 km depending on the category. Points awarded for intermediate sprints every 10 laps. A one-lap lead equals 20 points. Tactical racing: When to sprint? When to attempt a breakaway?

Madison

Two-person teams, 50 km. Riders take turns by giving each other a push (handgrip). Points are awarded for sprints, bonus points for laps. Named after Madison Square Garden. Chaotic, spectacular, difficult to follow.

Omnium

The all-around competition of track cycling. Four disciplines in one day: Scratch Race, Tempo Race, Elimination Race, Points Race. Total points decide the winner. Requires versatility.

Track cycling training is specific and differs considerably depending on the discipline.

Sprint training

Strength training is key: squats, deadlifts, leg presses – heavy loads, low repetitions. Elite sprinters' strength levels: 2-2.5 times body weight in the squat. On the bike: maximum sprints (8-15 seconds). Practice standing starts. Gear ratio work (heavy gears). Less volume, more intensity and recovery.

Endurance training

Similar to road cycling: Zone 2 baseline for aerobic capacity. Threshold intervals for FTP. VO2max intervals for pursuit races. Specific sessions: Simulated pursuit races (4 km time trial). Transition drills for Madison races. Sprint ability is also important for endurance cyclists.

Specific track training

Track time is essential: developing a feel for the track. Handling banked turns and speed. Tactical understanding within the group. Engine control (riding behind a motorcycle).

Cadence

On the track: Higher cadence than on the road. During sprints: 140-160+ rpm. During pursuits: 105-120 rpm. Training: High cadence intervals.

The cycling track has strict rules – safety at high speeds requires order.

Basic rules

Direction of travel: Always counter-clockwise (to the left). Overtaking: Always from the outside (at the top of the lane). Exiting the lane: Exit at the top edge, do not brake. No abrupt movements – everything is predictable.

The lines

Blue line (Côte d'Azur): Lowest line. Inside: Only when being overtaken. Black line: The measuring line – shortest distance. Red sprinter line: 85 cm from the black line. In a sprint: The leading rider must hold position.

communication

Hand signals and shouts are important: 'Track!' = Someone is coming from above. Hand signals for lane changes. Eye contact during maneuvers.

Equipment safety

Helmet: Always mandatory (aero helmet or TT helmet). Gloves: Protection and grip. Shoes securely fastened: Essential for fixed gear. No loose parts: No flapping jersey.

Interested in the railway? Here's how to get started.

Finding tracks

There are several cycling tracks in Germany: Berlin (Velodrome) – a world-class indoor track; Frankfurt (velodrome); Cologne (Albert-Richter-Bahn); Büttgen, Chemnitz, Bremen, and others. Some are outdoor tracks (seasonal). Clubs at these tracks often offer introductory courses.

First steps

Track license: Required for most tracks. Taster course: Many tracks offer introductory courses. Course content: Riding a fixed gear bike, handling banked turns, basic rules. Rental bikes: Often available for beginners.

The first track bike

To start: A simple track bike or a converted fixie is sufficient. Important: Fixed gear, no brakes (for the track). Later: Dedicated track bike for competitions.

Club membership

Almost all rinks are run by clubs. Membership offers: lane times, training, and competition opportunities. The learning curve is faster with experienced skaters.

From road cycling

Many track cyclists come from road cycling: their fitness is transferable. New skills are gained: fixed gear, track riding technique. The track can also be used for training on the road (sprints, VO2max).

From local track races to the Olympics – the competitive world is diverse.

Local races

Track cycling races at local velodromes. Often held in the evening. Various disciplines depending on the number of participants. Easy entry point.

German Championships

Held annually at different venues. All Olympic disciplines. Qualification via state championships.

UCI Track Champions League

New event series for more spectacle. Compact events, TV-friendly. Sprint and endurance competitions.

World Cup and World Championships

Top international level. World Championships held annually. Olympic qualification is based on World Cup points.

Olympic games

The dream of every track cyclist. Disciplines: Sprint, Keirin, Team Sprint, Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit, Madison, Omnium. Strict quota places per nation.

Six Day Race

A tradition since the 19th century. Six days, evening events, shows and sport. Madison as the core discipline. Berlin, Bremen, Ghent – ​​legendary events.

Track cycling is highly tactical – position, timing and psychology are decisive.

Sprint tactics

Leading or following?: Behind your opponent, you have a slipstream. But: The leader controls the pace. Surplace: Both riders are almost stationary, waiting for the other to take the lead. Attack: Timing is everything – too early = catch the wind, too late = no time to catch up.

Keirin tactic

Position behind the motorcycle: In front = more control, but exposed to the wind earlier. Behind = slipstream, but confined. Timing of the attack: Be ready when the motorcycle turns. Battles for position: Elbows and body contact are part of the sport.

Pursuit race

Pacing: Even or negative splits. Starting too fast = collapsing at the end. Mental battle: You see the opponent on the other side – catch up or be caught.

Points race/Madison

Sprint timing: When to sprint for points? Pacing. Breakaway attempts: When is the effort worthwhile for a one-lap lead? Teamwork (Madison): Communication about who rides when.

Group dynamics

In group events: alliances and rivalries. Who works with whom? Sometimes cooperation is better than competition.

Track time is limited – off-track training is essential.

Smart trainer

Indoor cycling on a smart trainer: Structured intervals. Strength and endurance training. High cadence work. Programs: Zwift, TrainerRoad – also suitable for track cyclists.

Strength training

Essential for sprinters: squats, deadlifts, leg press. Plyometrics for explosiveness. Core stability for power transfer. 2-3 times per week in winter.

road bike

Many track cyclists also ride on the road: building an endurance base. Group rides for race toughness. Gran Fondos or road races as a supplement.

Periodization

Track cycling season: Often autumn/winter (indoor tracks). Off-season: Base training, strength, other cycling disciplines. Pre-season: Intensify track-specific work. Season: Competitions, maintenance, tactical work.

regeneration

Sprint training is very demanding: sufficient recovery between hard sessions is crucial. Sleep and nutrition are critical. Avoid overtraining – quality over quantity.