drainyoo

So I'm planning to try the track this summer. My local velodrome has free clinics which I'm going to attend but I wanted to get some advice from you experienced racers on what to expect, what to prepare for, how to train and what I need to learn to break into the sport. Thanks!

queerpunk

I would say the first thing to do is get out to the velodrome this weekend - I PMed you some details. You'll see a bit of what racing there entails.

Once you see how a race goes down (either this weekend or during Opening Weekend in late April), you'll know what you need to work on.

Fitness-wise, track racing at this level doesn't require a whole lot of endurance. Rather it requires some top end speed, leg speed, and an ability to recover fast.

More importantly, it takes bike handling skills. Can you comfortably ride in a pack? Can you relax when things get tight? Can you ride predictably? Are you used to the "school" effect, where you have to give up a bit of individuality when you're part of a group, and ride along with the way the entire pack is riding?

The best way to learn is just to get out there. Once you see how races go down you'll see what you need to work on. You'll feel it.

fordfasterr

Some tips for general track fitness can be along the lines of:


1. train your spin. Get on an 86 inch or even lower gear, and do some intervals where you spin to max sustainable RPMS for 10 seconds, then recover and repeat at least 3 or 4 times in a set.

2. train your power. Get on a heavy gear, and from say, 20 rpms, mash up to 100 rpms and sutain it for 10-15 seconds then let off. recover and repeat 3 times in a set.

3. LT endurance: get on a medium/light gear (86-88 inches), and hold tempo at say, 100 rpms for 20 minutes then recover and repeat and do at least 1 hour or so... this is easier to do with a few people taking turns pulling.

4. Basic fitness: go out solo, do a long ride, 2-3 hours at 15-18 mph, spinnable gear and just ride.

drainyoo

Thanks folks. I've never ridden in a group so that's my main concern. I really need to get use to that.

In terms of equipment, will I look like a clueless fool if I show up with my Bianchi Pista? Or should I invest in a better frame?

fordfasterr

As a beginner, it doesn't matter if you show up there with training wheels... lol If you have a Pista then you are golden!