Can anyone explain how the the speed cycling works?

Question

I found it fascinating but couldn't quite work it out.

As much detail as possible. Thanks.

Answer 1

Did you mean the track cycling - indoors at the olympics?

Those are timed trials of course -- maybe about the bike?

Those bikes they ride are the inspiration for "fixies" you see some of the hipsters riding these days.  It stands for fixed gear - so the bikes are a single gear.  Riders and their crews will choose a configuration to suite their style or race.  Some start out with a really high gear ratio and it takes them more time to get up to speed on the track, but once they do...

Also - those track bikes are wayyy different than what you and I are used to.  Did you know there is no "free wheel"?  Yep the pedals turn with the wheel and there is no coasting - you have to keep your legs moving when the bike is moving!

And no brakes on those bikes either - the rider has to use the force of his/her legs pushing against the pedals to slow and eventually stop the bike.

The experienced riders can do a "skip-jump" and hop the bike up and down to stop when needed.

During the race - if one rider catches the other... the race is over - otherwise they are simply in a time trial race.

Is that what you were asking?

Answer 2

Speed cycling comes in different forms- sprints and Keiren which are basically lung bursting explosions of raw power over a few laps of the track and require sheer muscle power rather than stamina, and longer events like the pursuits over a few kilometres or up to 40km or 60km races like the Madison. These events are more about aerobic fitness rather than leg power and the pursuit events involve either teams or individuals starting on each side of the track who try to catch their opponent or alternatively beat their time. The Madison involves trying to lap the other riders and scoring points from sprints that occur periodically within the race.

Answer 3

What is speed cycling? I never heard the term.

Answer 4

I would answer in detail but your question doesn't make sense to me.