A velodrome is a specialized arena featuring a banked oval track specifically built for high-speed bicycle racing. These tracks are usually made of wood or concrete and have very steep corners to help riders handle the centrifugal force.
Because the track is a continuous loop, spectators can see all the action from any seat in the house. The bikes used here are unique because they have only one gear and no brakes for safety in tight groups. For example, a track cyclist might reach speeds over forty miles per hour during a sprint finish on the wooden surface.
The banking can be so steep that it is actually difficult to walk up the sides without a bicycle. It provides a controlled environment where the weather never interferes with the performance of the world’s fastest athletes. Riding on a track for the first time is a thrilling experience that every cyclist should try.
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