The Burnaby Velodrome is an indoor track that shares the infield space with Volleyball BC.
Length: 200M
Width: 6M
Banking Min 15º
Banking Max 47º
Surface: Wood Strip & Plywood
Riding on the Burnaby Velodrome for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially for newcomers or racers unfamiliar with its unique challenges. As you navigate the steep and tight curves, there are essential tips and tricks to enhance your riding and racing experience on this distinctive track.
RIDING:
Minimum Speed Challenges: Entering the Burnaby Velodrome, riders quickly discover the demand for a minimum speed of 30kph. The track's design can be overwhelming, especially for those accustomed to different cycling environments. To mitigate the risk of falling/sliding off, riders often find themselves maintaining a 'casual' pace of 40kph. As you gain confidence, you'll find yourself becoming comfortable at slower speeds. Pro Tip: If the infield starts shouting "speed up!", heed the warning – you are flirting with disaster!
Conquering Plywood Bumps: The top half of the track is constructed from plywood, and turns 2 and 4 exits present a bumpy ride, making slow-riding along the rail an intense experience. Tension in your arms and a tight grip on the handlebars only amplify the challenge, as your head will bounce all over the place. Instead, engage your core and keep your arms loose to smooth out the bumps.
Fatigue and Nausea: With race pace bringing a corner every 6 seconds, the G-forces may induce fatigue, and possibly nausea, but familiarity with the track over time alleviates this discomfort.
Medium Speed Mastery: While the Burnaby track is relatively easy to navigate at a medium speed (35-40kph), it poses difficulties at both slower (<30kph) and faster (>55kph) speeds. We've already discussed the dangers of riding too slow, but going fast also presents it's own challenge. Corner G-forces makes full-speed standing very difficult, and sitting still requires constant effort to maintain your line and keep your head up. In short, the geometry of the track makes is harder to "let loose".
Shoulder Check: When training, riders may be quite close to you, and if they are making an effort they will catch you and pass you in a flash. Sometimes, it can seem that they came out if nowhere. So, when entering/exiting or changing position on the track, it is urgent you look around the entire track to assess the situation; Anyone going fast? Anyone at the rail, about to make a flying effort? Anyone entering the track? Then, shoulder check before making any big changes in your line.
RACING:
Don't Wait Around: Things happen fast on this track, and it's not uncommon for riders to wait too long to make their move. If you are thinking about when to make your final sprint, it was probably a lap ago. Those who dare, win.
End of Race Protocol: Race rules at Burnaby Velodrome largely align with other tracks, but there are some nuanced differences. After completing a race, it's crucial not to immediately swing up-track to decelerate, as this can lead to collisions with riders on your right. Instead, maintain your line through turns 1 and 2, perform a shoulder check on the back straight, and then move up-track safely.
Flying 200: - 3.5 laps from push on track, to finish. You'll be pushed up on the track on the back straight. The basic routine:
Pushed on track on the back straight (3.5 laps to go)
Cross start/finish (1/2 lap)
Gain height (1 lap)
Wind up (1 Lap)
Timed 200m (1 Lap)
Kierin Laps: For Kierin races, riders will pick up the moto on the front straight and follow for 3.5 laps behind it before tackling the final 3.5 laps to the finish. With numerous corners, moving up in the pack requires substantial effort.
Individual Pursuit (IP): In Individual Pursuit races, riding in the time trial (TT) bars while holding your line through turns is a formidable task. The instinct to slow down for control conflicts with the need for speed. Overcoming this challenge requires both skill and experience.
MORE TO COME ....
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