Lap changes
Track Cycling Exercise
Lap changes is one of the most common exercise you will perform at a cycling velodrome track session.
It is a basic procedure that is performed while group riding on the velodrome which enable riders to share the work or effort time spent riding on the front of the group.
Riding a bicycle at the front of a group of riders uses more energy than the riders following, each rider will tuck behind the other sheltering from the wind in the slipstream caused from each rider ahead .
Firstly, riders need to be competent at riding single file and keeping the distance to a minimum between them, this takes confidence !
Unless told by the track coach, each rider will do no more than one lap at the front of the group, (taken turns)
When entering the bend, the lead rider will ride almost straight on taking them higher up the velodrome banking and then making their way to the back of the group.
To do this, it is important not to slow down to the point of sliding off the banking and crashing into oncoming cyclist. A key element is just to ride further around the bend at the top of the velodrome banking while the rest of the group remain at the bottom of the track maintaining speed.
Safety checks while performing manoeuvres , riders should check over there shoulder in the direction they are about to turn, assure to maintain power and speed while looking as slowing down causes the following rider to over lap the wheel , over reactions have a knock on effect down the line , accidents happen at this point .
To help not to over lap the wheel in front, leave a space , this distance will depend on the level or ability of the riders in the group, for example if the riders are all elite intermediate novice or mixed ability, the riders will probably concertina back and forward causing gaps to open and close, rather than back pedal which tax the legs every time, it is best to gradually ride slightly higher than your lead rider to compensate for this, the extra wind resistance and distance on the outer side will compensate this.
Read more about track cycling at http://www.teamspiritcyclingcamps.co.uk/
Author
Stephen Bonnici
Track cycling coach