Track racing takes place on oval shaped, usually indoor tracks known as velodromes. At the very top level, track racing sees some of the most advanced technology available to bikes, and is regularly the testing ground for cutting edge equipment.

Track bikes only use the bare minimum of components. There are no brakes, no gears and no freewheel, which means if the back wheel is turning, so do the pedals. Slowing down is achieved by resisting the force from the pedals.

Another difference to road racing bikes, is the tyres. These are commonly a one-piece tube unit glued directly to the wheel rim of the track bike, which can take pressures of 150-200psi!

Match Sprint

Traditionally held over 1000m, this event captures the essence of track cycling. After a slow start, involving track positioning, riders sprint madly for the last few hundred meters. First across the line wins.

Olympic Sprint

Held over 3 laps of a 250m velodrome track, it involves two competing 3-man teams, starting on opposite sides of the track. For each lap completed the front man in each team pulls off, to leave the remaining team-mate(s) to battle on.

1,000 m Time Trial

Two riders start at opposite sides of the track and race against the clock right from the start. With high speed maintained by healthy endurance, this event is physically demanding. It is also known as "the kilo". The womens race is the same format, but run over 500m.

2000 m Keirin

More popular in Japan than Britain, the Keirin contains 6 - 8 riders on track and uses a small motorbike to set the pace of the initial laps. With 2.5 laps to go, the bike pulls off and it is a rapid sprit to the end.

4000 m Team Pursuit

The two teams start on opposing sides of the track and consist of 4 men in each. Riders stay perilously close together in a line for maximum aerodynamic drafting effect. The fastest time wins, and is taken when the 3rd rider crosses the finish line.

Individual Pursuit

Held over 4000 metres for men, and 3000 metres for women. Two riders start on opposite sides of the track, and try to set the fastest time over the set distance. Also, if one rider catches the other, the race is over.

60 km Madison

This race was first held at it's namesake in Madison Square Gardens, New York. The race is fought between two teams over the very long distance. It has a strange system of rules whereby only one rider from each team can race at a time, this requires rolling changeovers of team-members.

Points are scored for sprints at 20 lap intervals. The other way to win the Madison is to gain an entire lap on the field.

Points Race

This is a solo endurance event, with a scoring system like the Madison. Riders scores points in sprints every 10th lap with double points available for the last lap. Alternatively, if a rider can lap the field, then they win the race.

The Hour Record

This is the grand-daddy of all endurance track events! For absolute pro's only, This single-rider event simply tests the rider's endurance to the maximum, by counting the distance he can clock up in one hour on the track.

For an idea of what can be achieved, Chris Boardman (British) rode 56.375 kilometres in one hour around Manchester velodrome in 1996. Beat That!

Racing on tarmac roads has to be the real down to earth experience, with weather conditions, temperatures and other variables, this form of racing is more varied than track racing because riders have to contend with natural challenges like hills and corners.

This accessible form of racing, takes place over public roads, and involves long distances, as opposed to the track sprints.

The pinnacle of this sport for many is the Tour de France, which takes place every year in July. With the best riders from around the world, riding within sponsored teams with financial backing, they are able to use top spec bikes, over the grueling distance.

For the rest of us, road racing is available as an event in itself, but is also included as one of the three sports in a triathlon.

Many local clubs organise road races around set routes and provide adequate backup and marshalling to keep the event safe and running smoothly. Some clubs also offer friendly rides, with the aim of enjoying the scenery and sharing the experience with sociable riders.

Good points

• Competitive racing scene

• Good exercise

• Can cover large distances at speed

• Limited to road surfaces only

• Could be injured

• Sharing the road with cars - pollution and risk of an accident

• Road racing bikes are available for many different budgets, check shops listed below for accurate prices.

• Road racing bike prices start at around �200 and rise all the way in to several thousands.

• As you pay more for bikes, the benefits are in increased lightness, increased technology and specification of parts. Especially; transmission / frame materials / quality wheels.

On-Road Cycling Resources