>
The velodrome - this handout has been produced to help you
gain a greater understanding of the track - the different markings,
areas and colours you will see. The track or velodrome is 142.36
meters round on the black line and is made of Scandinavian Pine,
it was opened in 1995.
> THE TRACK CENTER. - this is made up of hard courts with
a 'D' at each end, riders use the area to rest between training
on the track, changing gear on the bike etc. You can safely ride
on the courts at slow speed but do not ride on the 'D' areas as
they have a painted surface and are very slippery.
>
THE TUNNEL AND STEPS- leads out to the foyer - do not walk
down the steps in cycling shoes.
>
THE GREEN - we use this area for moving off. You ride on the
green prior to moving on to the cote d azure and then onto the
track. Do not ride too quickly on the green and be aware of other
riders moving on and off the track. Beware of the trip at the
edge of thegreen. Always ride from the track center onto the green
at a wide angle.
>
THE LIGHT BLUE AREA - this is called the Cote d' Azure, it
is not a part of the track you race on, it is used as a transition
from the level green onto and off the actual track.
>
THE BLACK LINE - the 'datum' line, it is the line track measurements
are taken on and 'holding' this line means you travel the shortest
distance, an obvious bonus in racing. A line especially used by
pursuiter's and kilometre or 500 m time trialers.
>
THE RED LINE - the 'sprinters' line. This plays an important
part in sprint competitions, once inside the last 200 meters and
below the sprinters line you are bound by the rules not to stray
above the 'red' until the race is over (i.e. you have to hold
your line or you can be disqualified)
> THE BLUE LINE - the 'stayers' line. Normally the line
you hold when you are
'taking laps' (basically - riding constant laps, speed & position
in the group or 'line' may vary). Riding this line indicates to
other riders what you are doing and where you are going to stay
on the track thus allowing them to get on with their own training
i.e. sprinting. There are racing rules relating to the blue line
in the Madison and Motor Pace events.
>
THE FINISH LINE - located at the end of the home straight
and as the name suggests indicates the finish, note some events,
i.e. the pursuit, don't finish on the finish line. (see below)
>
THE PURSUIT LINE - there is a pursuit line in the middle of
the home straight and the back straight, these indicate the start
and finish for the pursuit events.
>
THE 200 METER LINE - a line positioned radially across the
track approximately 57 meters from the finish line. To complete
the 200m you have to go through the finish line once and then
complete a whole lap.
>
LAP BOARD - there will be a lap board adjacent to the finish
line in bunch and individual events. During competition, when
there are two races on the track at once i.e. individual or team
pursuits, there will be a lap board in each straight.
>
THE BELL - you will hear the bell sound to indicate there
is only one lap of the race left when you pass the finish line
Notes
* All riders are to be on a 79" gear (47x16 or 44x15) or
81" gear (48x16) for training.
* Riders should not use slick or dual compound tyres.
* Calshot can be a cold place in the winter months so it is recommended
to wear lots of layers and remove them as you get warm.
* Also it is important to eat and drink during the session (energy
drink and hi-carb snacks are good).
* All riders who are using loan/hire bikes should know their saddle
height (measured from the centre of the bottom bracket to the
top of the saddle) to save time on the day.
* Bikes
available to hire at Calshot are fitted with pedals with toe clips
and straps that may not be changed, so please bring suitable trainers
if you intend to hire a bike.
