FEATURES

Velodrome Training For Triathletes...

Tuesday, 05 May 2015 00:10

By David Moore

Serious triathletes have always known that in cycling, efficient, powerful form is key, and that by far the best way to develop form is on a fixed-gear bike. What’s more, by far the best place to ride a fixed-gear bike is in a velodrome.  Cycling stars like Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish grew up on velodromes.  The ultimate cycling time trial, the hour record, is only contested on a velodrome track. So it’s no surprise that world number one triathlete Gwen Jorgensen has been spending lots of time on the track in Australia as of late!

Minnesota triathletes too often forget that the only velodrome between Lake Michigan and Colorado is right here in Blaine, at the National Sports Center.  This past winter, an outpouring of community-funded support resulted in a major renovation of the track. The renovation will be completed in just a few weeks....

Triathletes looking to keep their training fresh on the bike will be amazed by riding at the track: it’s fixed gear, no brakes, and steeply banked – but with no potholes, no distracted drivers, and a crew of like-minded cyclists all moving in the same direction. 

The National Sports Center Velodrome has just announced its 2015 training and racing season. It includes multiple sequences of introductory classes open to all riders, as well as open training times for experienced track riders and riders who have done the intro class.  They supply the bikes if you don’t have one of your own, at no extra charge for the intro classes. You need only bring your bike shorts, jersey with sleeves, pedals & shoes, gloves and helmet, and they’ll take it from there. 

Further information can be found by clicking HERE.  We hope to see you up at the track!