Cycling Road & Track

Track cycling is predominately held in specially built banked tracks, known as velodromes. There are different types of races, including a straight sprint or more complex variations that involve catching up to or overtaking an opponent within a set time. 

Road cycling is the more traditional format with the winner being the first to cross the line. Races are usually over much longer distances and are a test of stamina as much as they are speed and skill. Both variations will be seen at this year's School Games which should make for a hugely entertaining competition. 

Cycling has been in every Olympic Games, dating back to 1896. Team GB has won 87 medals, 32 of which were gold, making them the third most successful Olympic nation in the sport behind France and Italy. 

The three most successful Olympic cyclists ever are also British – Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sir Chris Hoy, and Jason Kenny have won 22 medals between them, including 17 golds. Paralympics GB have also enjoyed plenty of success in cycling. In Rio, 21 medals were won, 12 of which were gold, narrowly failing to surpass the 22 medals won four years earlier in London.

Did You Know?

• Youth riders racing in Britain race on gear restricted bikes; this means that bikes have a limited number of gears that the athletes can use when racing. This helps the development of young athletes as well as put all riders on a level playing field.
• Track bikes don’t have any brakes and use a fixed wheel meaning that when you stop pedalling, the bike slows or stops.
• There are only five 250m velodromes in the UK – Scotland, Manchester, Derby, Newport, and London. Road Races may take place on ‘open roads’, closed roads, or purpose-built circuits. All Youth racing must take place on closed roads or circuits that are closed to other users.
• Road Cycling first formed part of the School Games back in 2010. Two-time Junior Road World Champion Lucy Garner competed as part of the East Midlands Team in this event along with the track event the year previous.