Track
Track cycling takes place on a Velodrome, a banked oval track specially designed for cycle racing. The standard velodrome is 250m per lap with bankings on the bends of 42-47 degrees.
In Ireland there are 2 velodromes, one in Dublin and one in Belfast. These are large by modern standards, both over 400m per lap and have fairly shallow banking.
The bikes used by participants are somewhat different from road machines. Fixed wheel (no free wheel) bikes are used. The bikes are also without brakes or gears. Braking is achieved by resisting the rotation of the pedals or turning the bike up the gradient of the banking. Cycling Ireland have a number of these bikes for rent at each of the tracks (free for under 18 and younger).
Events range from 500m to 20km in distance and track meetings take place each Wed. night at the Dublin track in Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road in Crumlin, from May to Sept. Each category usually gets 3-4 races per meeting . A sociable atmosphere tends to prevail between the races. As our Irish tracks are both outdoor these meetings are weather dependent.
To take part in these track meetings it is necessary to be accredited to race on the track. This can be done at the regular coaching sessions which take place most Saturdays am, from May to September. It is a fairly simple procedure designed to equip riders with the basic track techniques and skills and to ensure that all participants follow certain basic safety practices.
Sorrento has had a great tradition of track racing, producing many national champions at several disciplines on the track. The current 1000m time trial champion, the current Scratch race champion and the current Veterans champion are all members of Sorrento (Paul Doyle, Will Byrne & Aidan Ryan).
The Club has organised two highly successful trips to an indoor veldrome in Alkmaar in Holland in recent years. We hope to do more of these in the future. We have also had a club track night during the summer with events for all ages and categories.