 |
The
Cycle1st
guide to riding at Manchester Velodrome.
The National Cycling Centre - Stuart Street Manchester - England - M11 4DQ |
|
New
Track News Update |
Velodrome is
now open again after the new track has been laid. Pics from the Velodrone Online - more details and pictures of the new track being laid can be found on their Blogspot |
Having gone through the whole process of having never ridden the track before to attending taster sessions, passing accreditation and then riding regular SQTs
( Structured Quality Training ) where around 40 riders receive coaching and ride on the track together we feel we know the process well and hope to take you through that process here. We'll tell you what you need, where to get it and what you're likely to encounter in those first days at the track.
One thing we can be sure of, you'll either love it or hate it...
We know many first timers who take to it like a duck to water and many experienced riders who just can't hack it.
The Manchester Velodrome is home of The British Cycling Federation and one of the best indoor tracks in the world, a magnificent 250m wooden track, which hosted the 1996 and 2000 World Championships.
Situated next to a large Asda, the Velodrome is situated on the North side of Manchester. Directions on the Velodrome's Website here. There is plenty free parking on site and the entrance and reception for riders is to the rear of the building.
Before you arrive. ( Manchester Velodrome Tel: +44(0)161 223 2244 )
Phone reception and book on a Tester Session. They are sessions for beginners with a coach [minimum age is 12 for these]. They must be booked in advance and run every day of the week - often twice a day. Cost is £7.20 [£5.20 concession] and includes bike hire and coaching for an hour.
The Velodrome is open to everyone. You can also book the track as an individual if you prefer but the cost is £56 per hour and you must have a Velodrome accredited British Cycling coach which the Velodrome can supply.
The Velodrome has a rider accreditation system where riders are trained then tested for skills to ensure safety. At Cycle1st we have been through this accreditation and obtained our license, there are then Structured Quality Training sessions [called SQTs] all through the week for general training plus Sprint sessions, derny-paced sessions and Veterans (40 plus) sessions which you may attend once accredited.
Track leagues also run weekly where no accreditation is required.
BOOKING LINE
0161 223 2244
What to Bring.
Bring suitable sports clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and t-shirts plus trainers if you don't have cycle specific clothing. Helmets can be provided at reception if you don't have one. If you don't have your own track bike, these can be hired at reception, preferably when you book a place. Only track bikes can be used on the track with a single fixed wheel and no brakes. If you have your own track bike, the following recommendations apply.
165mm cranks, 11"
Bottom Bracket, 84-88" gear (47tx15 or 49tx15) is ideal for your
first visit. New tyres or tubulars should be cleaned thoroughly with alcohol
or similar to remove releasing agent and help prevent slipping on the
track. Some makes of tyres are not suitable for Velodrome use -
please call 0161 223 2244 for further details.
Tubulars must be stuck on with glue rather than tape. 23 mm tyres/tubs
are better than narrower ones. Bring a drink, you'll need one. There are
changing rooms with toilet and shower opposite reception. Changing in
the track centre in the riders area is not allowed. If you've got cycle
clothing wear a t-shirt under any road / skin top incase you come off
on the track and a pair of track mitts. Ensure your cleats are in good
condition if you have cycling shoes.
The coaches at the velodrome are very good. They will guide you through the skills you will need to gain accreditation. We personally attended the "Taster with Skills" sessions for several months each Friday from 6 - 7 pm before receiving a green slip then later on a pink slip by the coach which meant we had reached a level where we could book on the accreditation tester.
The skills learnt in the "Taster with Skills" are put to the test during the accreditation tester.
These include.... Riding Safely on the Blue Line; Entering and Leaving the track safely; Changing on the banking; The Lumps and Bumps; Being aware of other riders, ensuring you look before changing direction.
This is a 2 hr session and the coach will often be on track with the riders, once you have passed you receive a slip. Drop a passport self photo in at reception and they will create and laminate your licence. You'll need this to ride SQTs etc at the track. During the winter SQTs are usually fully booked up several weeks in advance.
SQTs
Several sessions available each week. We regularly attend the Thursday evening session between 6 and 8pm with approx 40 other riders. Training includes lapping on the blue line at pace, intervals, team efforts, individual sprinting and lapping to the group and is definately recommended for those looking for quality training throughout the Winter months.
Want to Race? Check out the Track Leagues Website
Need more information? Visit The Manchester Velodrome Website.
Chris Hoy - World Champion
Chris Boardman - W orld Hr Record Holder
Set on the Boards at the Manchester Velodrome