If you are coming to the velodrome for an accreditation or taster session, here are a few notes that might help.

The accreditation sessions are for cyclists that can ride a steep banked track and have their own or the use of a suitable track bike. The accreditation allows them to use the track unsupervised during training sessions and to take part in competitive events run by the Meadowbank National Track League. The accreditation is also recognised by a number of other UK Velodromes and allows access to sessions there.

The session entails the rider being being given an opportunity to show competence against a series of set criteria at difference levels of difficulty. Riders either “pass” or are referred with specific improvement points to another session.

These sessions are not suitable for absolute beginners or for riders that

“fancy having a try on the track” one evening…..

Track Cycling for novices at Meadowbank Velodrome.

If you have not done any track racing,have no competitive experience or ridden a fixed wheel bike, the best way to get acquainted with a steep wooden velodrome is to come along to a taster session or a try the track day.

These can be arranged through your local cycling club or booked by a qualified track cycling coach.

You will need to bring the following items.

Clothing suitable for cycling, a pair of close fitting leggings, cycling shorts or close-fitting tracksuit bottoms. A tight fitting jersey, under vest, and a tracksuit top or cycling jersey will do for most sessions.

You will also need an ANZI or SNELL approved crash helmet, ( We have some to go with the hire bikes) track mitts and suitable shoes. (Flat soled trainers are best if you don’t have cycling shoes)

When the sun goes down to Meadowbank is probably the coldest place in the world, track racing is hard work and you will get quite warm and sweaty, when you come off the bike it’s important to have sufficient warm clothing to prevent you getting chills.

During a session you will be on and off the bike at least 8 times in an hour.

If you do some cycling and have “automatic pedals” (these are ones that shoes click in and out of with a special cleat or plate on the sole of the shoe.) bring them with you and they can be fitted on a hire bike if we know in advance.

We have a variety of pedals and if you were to let us know in advance what you require we may be able to to fit some on a bike for you. ( SPD pedals are NOT recommended, but they do give us a laugh, and will do if you have nothing else)

Track bikes are a very simple machines, no brakes, no gears, smooth tyres and drop handlebars. We have a number of bicycles that you can use or hire.

The most important thing is that the bicycle should be the correct size.

This depends on two things, the length of your legs and the combined length of your back and arms.

The most helpful measurement you can give us is from the top of the saddle to the centre of the bottom bracket in centimeters. This means that we can get the right size of frame and then adjusts the “reach” is to suit once we see you on the bike

We can also get the bike ready in advance and you get more time on the track with your group.

If you are bringing your own bicycle to use on the track it needs to be safe and mechanically sound as well as clean. It should have a 28cm or higher bottom bracket, 165 mm cranks, smooth tyres, a fixed wheel transmission and conventional dropped handlebars.

For most riders we recommend a gear ratio of a 46 to 48 Chain ring with a 15 tooth cog which gives and 82″ to 86″  gear.

Your bike tyres will need to be able to take the pressure of 8 bar and be free from cuts and any carcase distortion.

If you’re not sure if you bike is suitable please ask an experienced track rider or a track coach. We would be happy to give you an opinion on a specific make or model of bike by e-mail if you wish.

If you have any specific needs such as visual aids for the hearing impaired, a bicycle adapted for an individual with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, please let us know well in advance and we will do our best to accomodate you.

If you can’t see where you are going very well we can arrange a “pilot” to take you on to the velodrome on one of our tandems.

<This also works if you don’t want to see where you are going ! >

Our coaches have more that 60 years of experience and a good few National Championship medals between them in respect of tandem racing, and will make sure you have an unforgettable experience !