Cycling Velodrome

Track cycling — contested in velodromes (steeply banked oval tracks, typically 250m) — is one of cycling's oldest forms, predating road racing. Events include the sprint (head-to-head tactical race for fastest finish), keirin (motor-paced, riders sprint after a pacing motorcycle), pursuit (racing against the clock from opposite ends of the track), omnium (multi-event), madison (relay race), and team sprint. Track bikes are fixed-gear (no brakes, no gears) — riders control speed by pedaling or resisting. Chris Hoy (Scotland) is the most decorated British Olympian and one of track cycling's greatest riders — 6 Olympic gold medals. Sir Bradley Wiggins is the first Briton to win the Tour de France (2012) and holds multiple track records. The velodrome's banked corners (typically 42-45 degrees) allow riders to take them at full speed without losing momentum. At maximum speed, track sprinters reach 75+ km/h on a fixed-gear bike.