Cycling Road & Track

Track cycling is held in specially built banked tracks, known as velodromes. There are lots of different types of races, including 1v1 sprints or more complex races where there can be up to 28 riders all competing for glory.

Road cycling is a more traditional format with the winner being the first to cross the line. The races are usually over much longer distances and are a test of stamina a much as they are speed and skill. Both disciplines will be seen at this year’s School Games National Finals 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 four most decorated British Olympians are all cyclists. Jason Kenny, Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins, and Laura Kenny have won 30 medals between them.

Did You Know?

• Youth riders racing in Britain race on gear restricted bikes; meaning that bikes have a limited number of gears that the athletes can use when racing. This puts all the athletes on a level playing field.
• Track bikes do not have any brakes and use a fixed wheel meaning that when you stop pedalling, the bike slows or stops.
• Cycling has been a part of School games since 2010. Multiple world champion and Olympic Mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock competed as a part of the Yorkshire Team at School Games in 2014 and 2015 and junior World Champion on the road and time trial Zoe Bäckstedt has represented Wales.
  

Location

The track cycling event will be held at Derby Velodrome on Friday the 30th and Saturday the 31st of August.

Venue location

The road race event will be on Sunday the 31st of August at Loughborough University. Close to the West Entrance and Holywell Park.

Venue Location