Olympic Sports: Track Cycling Regulation
Track cycling is a sport that is characterized by bicycle racing in a velodrome. This velodrome is an oval that generally has dimensions of 250 meters.
This sport has a very specific regulation, starting with the type of bicycle, which has some important ones with respect to those used as route bicycles or to do competitions abroad. Next, we see more information about the most prominent aspects of the track cycling regulations.
Track cycling: most important aspects of the regulation
Bike
As we have mentioned earlier, the track bicycle has very important differentiating characteristics of the route bicycle. In this sense, the highlight is that this machine lacks brakes.
In the absence of the brakes, it has a fixed pinion system that causes it to lose speed as the cyclist exerts less pedaling pressure. It is impossible to stop suddenly or stop pedaling sharply, since your balance can be lost.
Another very important aspect is that this type of bicycle has no changes, they have only one dish in the central axis area and a single diversion. In addition, they have not integrated the support to carry water, since the regulation prohibits it.
The regulation also specifies that this type of bicycle must have aluminum, carbon or titanium wheels. The diameter of them can range between 66 and 68 centimeters. The maximum length of this bicycle cannot exceed 2 meters and as far as weight are referred to, this must be between 7 and 8.5 kilograms.
Velodrome
It is very important that the velodrome meets all the necessary characteristics for the competition to take optimally and without any setback. It is an oval track with rounded ends.
The velodrome surface can be cement or wood and the length of it can range between 250 and 333.3 meters. In addition, velodrome can be both discovered and roofed.
While the construction of the track can vary according to the construction angles, it is also true that it must meet minimal requirements. An example of this is the width of the track, which cannot be less than the meters and can not be greater than 11 meters.
In addition, the track must have two perals whose inclination can range between 38 and 46 degrees. This design facilitates the different maneuvers of cyclists in this exciting sport.
In practice, velodromes can have some different subtle. But everyone must have the following parts: access or tunnel, dressing room, runners area, goal with videofinish and output area.
Outfit
The clothing is essential both to comply with the rules and thus avoid penalties and of course, for security reasons. The cyclist must have an aerodynamic helmet, footwear with rigid sole that allows him to anchor the pedal, uniform with the colors of the national team, lycra gloves, short socks.
Other standards of track cycling
Together with the aspects described above, arbitration rules must also be taken into consideration. In this regard, it is important to note that the referee will be appointed by the president of the Colegio de Commissioners.
As regards the timing, it is made for thousandths of second. The exit is announced by a shot and with respect to the infractions or unsportsmanlike behaviors, these will be warned with a yellow flag.
Other basic rules specify that the cyclist cannot carry any additional object such as water or food. On the other hand, for security reasons, the number of runners will be limited according to the diameter of the track.
If the track is 333.3 meters, a maximum of 36 runners may compete, if the track is 250 meters they can compete 24 and if the track is 200 meters they can compete 20.
Track cycling is one of the most exciting sports, so every day adds the interest of more and more people. Knowing your rules is decisive to compete successfully and cleanly.
It is important to take into consideration from the characteristics of the bicycle to the most general rules on clothing, of course, making special emphasis on the specific competition rules.
Leave feedback