BT Forum

It's the new aero. Did you watch the TDF TT, same thing.

I watched a bit today, cool as heck. I wish I knew when there would be more.

https://www.google.com/search?aq=2&oq=olympics+and+velodro&sugexp=chrome,mod=7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=olympic+velodrome+schedule

In time trials, one restart is allowed for false start, equipment failure, or other mishaps... but you are only allowed the one restart.

No, Britain has not always been as strong as they are.  However, over the last few years they have poured a great deal of money in to their cycling programs.  The programs and athletes are very well-supported and it pays off in results. 

Although tail-less aero helmets have only recently been introduced to the road, they have been using the Casco helmets (they are smooth, ventless, round, and have a large integrated visor) on the track for quite some time now for sprinters. They are the most common helmets you'll see in sprint events, including team sprint.  The pursuiters still tend to wear the helmets with tails most often.

hm... what else are you missing?  Lots!!!  Track is a really exciting sport that doesn't get the coverage in the US that it warrants. The more you watch, the more you will come to appreciate it.

Thanks for the info guys. 

The restart thing makes more sense now because it seemed like if there was any reason to go down, they did immediately. 

I noticed the KASK helmets in the TdF, but I was wondering why there were a mix of tailed helmets and the rounded helmets.  I guess it makes sense that round is aero.  Look at the ugly prius or even the new beetle tail-end.

I noticed a few regular helmets with the plastic covers over the vents.  Seemed those were the lead-guys on the start.  I'm guessing they have a tendency to crash more often. 

One new question: how low are they allowed to go on the track?  It looked like when they're really cranking to get to the line at the end, the lone-cyclist would dip below the bottom line on the track.  I'm sure you want to stay on the track versus the inner-area, but is there a rule about going below the line (like NASCAR)?

It's all very cool.

Anthony, there have been MABRA track races for years.  T'town is in the MABRA region.  Check it out if you haven't been!  It is one of the finest tracks in the country. People come from all over the world to race and train there. 

Yeah, we have guys that are there all the time but it's so far away (whine...) DC Velodrome would be about 3 miles or so from my house.

It's worth the trip.  I'll be down there this weekend.  

Listen to Kim (Dredwards), she knows what she speaks... she is a GREAT track cyclist.

We are lucky here in SW Ontario to have access to an indoor Velodrome in London, Ontario... and soon to be two with one being built in Milton for the Pan-Am games in 2015... we can ride track all year. It's not just fun to watch, it's fun to take part in.... even if it's just for training purposes and never racing, it's a LOT of fun!