Track Info and Stats
The Juan de Fuca Velodrome is a 333.3 metre concrete oval with 28 degree banking at the ends and 10 degree banking on the straights. Starting at the bottom of the track above the apron is the blue band or Cote D’Azur. This is a transition area between the flat apron and the banked racing surface of the black. The next black line is called the Gauge Line or Pole Line. This is where the track is measured from and riders are not to race below this line. The Sprinter’s Line is the red line above the Pole Line. This Sprinter’s Lane is between the Pole Line and the Sprinter’s Line. The first rider in the lane has an advantage because another rider may not come down into the lane until completely clear of his front wheel. Riders can not pass on the inside. The thin blue line is called the Stayer’s Line and is marked 1/3 of the way up the track. The area above this line is the resting area for cyclists during certain events. On the back stretch is a narrow white line extending from the Pole Line to the top of the track. This line is 200 metres from the finish line and is used for sprints. The Pursuit Lines are the two red lines opposite each other at the centre of the home stretch and back stretch, and are drawn halfway up the track. These are the start and finish lines for the Pursuit events and Olympic Sprints. The home stretch is marked with a red disk, red flag and/or a red light. The back stretch is marked with a green disk, green flag and/or green light. FLAGS: In a pursuit, one flag showing either in the home stretch or back stretch indicates the race is in the first kilometre. Two flags indicates the last kilometre. Events
: POWER EVENTS This is the most exciting race, where cyclist will
try to outwit each other as they jockey for position before the ‘sprint’
to the finish line. On our track, the cyclists will complete three
full laps. There are normally two cyclists at a time in this event.
They draw lots to determine who will lead off on the first lap. The
first lap must be at a minimum of walking pace. Some of the strategy
may include standing still on the bike, in hopes that the other cyclist
will have take the lead and therefore provide an opportunity to draft
(the rider rides closely behind the other to take advantage of the
pocket of still air). The final lap will see riders in an intense
full-out sprint where some riders reach speeds of up to 80km/h. This is a flat out sprint against the clock, a test
of power and pain tolerance. Normally two riders are on the track,
starting on opposite sides, although they are not racing against each
other. Women race for 500 metres and men for 1 kilometre or a kilo.
This quick and exciting race has the same starting
format as the team pursuit, but with only three riders per team. In
this race, after each lap the lead rider ‘peels off’ out
of the race. By the final lap there is only one rider left sprinting
to the finish line. This is the predominant form of competitive
cycling in Japan, where the race originated. Fans go to the Keirin meets
and bet on the outcome. Up to eight cyclists start in a single file
along the track. A motorcycle paces the field, leading them faster and
faster around the track for three laps until it peels off. Then the
riders are free to sprint for the finish line. Strength, courage and
aggression are required to get the optimum position for the final lunge
for the line.
[back to events index] ENDURANCE EVENTS Points Race Individual Pursuit Team Pursuit Madison |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
