Slalom
Slalom
The slalom is a basic skill track cycling exercise and often used part of a velodrome track accreditation test.
The slalom cycling track exercise is performed by a group of riders riding single file formation equal distances apart approximately two bike lengths apart midway up on the velodrome track banking on the blue line.
When all riders are in position the exercise can begin by the track cycling coach sounding a whistle.
When whistle is sounded the rider at the rear end of the group will make their way forward to the front of the group weaving through all the gaps between the other riders using a slalom technique.
Helps if the rider do not loose or gain too much height while weaving through the spaces as this creates to speed and changes the angle of attack causing the exercise to look more rushed than in control.
Riders only need to ride little more than shoulder width apart when riding over or under the other riders during the slalom ,
This track cycling exercise teaches riders to maintain constant speed without closing gaps and builds confidence riding close to other track riders.
It is important for new track cyclist to learns these skills, many road cyclist that cross over to track cycling during off season track training for winter fitness or to race indoors are not used to riding a fixed gear bicycle with no brakes.
I hope you find this information useful for your track cycling session weather you coach or ride a track cycling session.
Team Spirit cycling camps track cycling coach
Stephen Bonnici