Taiwan Track Cycling: How to Ride on a Velodrome

Track cycling is one of the oldest and purest forms of cycling. On a closed wooden or concrete oval track, with no brakes, no gears, and relying purely on pedal power and precise technique—this is the world of the Velodrome.

The Current State of Track Cycling in Taiwan

Taiwan currently has several major cycling tracks:

Venue	Location	Features
National Taiwan Sport University Cycling Arena	Guishan, Taoyuan	Indoor wooden track, 250m standard circuit
Linkou Stadium (partial facilities)	Linkou, New Taipei	Outdoor facilities
Stadium-adjacent venues in various counties/cities	Various locations	Training purposes

The Taiwanese national team has gradually been making its mark in recent years at the Asian Championships and Olympic-cycle events, and the track cycling training system is being progressively established.

Track Bike Basics

Fixed Gear System

The defining feature of a track bike is its fixed gear system, meaning:

• No freewheel mechanism: When the pedals stop, the wheels stop
• No brake levers: Deceleration relies on resisting the pedals (back pressure)
• No gear shifting: Only a single fixed gear ratio

What this means:

1. Cadence and speed are perfectly synchronized—pedal faster, go faster
2. On descents or at high speed, the pedals are forced to spin rapidly (requires adaptation)
3. You must learn the technique of “resisting the pedals” to slow down

Track Bankings

The banking angle of a standard velodrome ranges between 20-45 degrees, with the steepest angles at the turns. This design allows riders to take high-speed corners without special steering, relying on centrifugal force to hold their line.

Key riding techniques:

• Maintain a steady line when entering the turns
• Use the track’s elevation difference (high line/low line) to overtake
• Do not brake abruptly at the turns (you will lose control)

Introduction to Major Track Events

Sprint

The most spectator-friendly track event, featuring two riders (or groups of four) racing.

Distance: Men’s 250m, Women’s 250m (though the full race may include tactical sections of slow-then-fast riding)

Features:

• The early part of the race is extremely slow (even stationary), as neither rider wants to take the front (the lead rider faces greater aerodynamic drag)
• Full sprint only begins in the final 200-300m
• Heavy psychological warfare; positioning is crucial

Taiwan’s shining moment: Taiwan’s track sprint events have won multiple medals at the Asian Championships and are relatively competitive on the international stage.

Points Race

A multi-lap event with sprints held at set intervals (usually every 10 laps), with sprint points determining the final ranking.

Distance: Men’s 40km (160 laps), Women’s 25km (100 laps)

Tactical features:

• “Gaining a lap” (lapping the entire field) earns 20 points
• Sprint points: 5, 3, 2, 1
• Requires both explosive power (for sprints) and endurance (for the full 40km)

Elimination Race (Miss and Out)

Every set number of laps, the last rider is eliminated, until the final few riders determine the finishing order.

Features:

• Pack riding tactics: you cannot fall behind and must always hold a front position
• Fast decision-making pace requiring intense concentration
• A suitable entry-level track event for Taiwanese amateur riders

Individual Pursuit

Two riders start from opposite sides of the track, chasing each other or racing against the clock over a fixed distance.

Distance: Men’s 4000m, Women’s 3000m

Features:

• Relies entirely on individual pacing strategy and fitness
• The event that most tests time-trial ability in track cycling
• Power curve management is the key to winning

Key Technical Points for Track Riding

Cadence Training

Track racing demands extremely high cadence—professional riders can reach 180-200 rpm or more during sprints.

Cadence training recommendations:

Training Type	Target Cadence	Duration	Frequency
Base cadence	90-100rpm	20-30 minutes	Every ride
High-cadence practice	110-130rpm	10x30 seconds	Twice per week
Sprint cadence	140rpm+	5x10 seconds	1-2 times per week

Cornering Technique on the Track

Entering the turn on the low line (more energy-efficient):
Suitable for the early phase of a sprint, taking advantage of the shorter distance

Entering the turn on the high line (gaining positional advantage):
Cutting from the high line down to the low line, using the track’s banking for acceleration

The black line (measurement line) rules:

• The innermost black line (measurement line) may not be occupied unless sprinting
• During a sprint, riders behind may not enter inside the measurement line

Preparing for Track Racing

Equipment Requirements

Equipment	Description	Estimated Cost
Track Bike	Fixed gear, no brakes, lightweight	NT$15,000-100,000+
Cycling shoes (clipless)	Look-style pedals are commonly used in track racing	NT$3,000-15,000
Helmet (track type)	Aerodynamic design	NT$3,000-20,000
Racing skinsuit	Tight-fitting, pocketless design	NT$2,000-8,000

Beginner advice: You can rent a track bike from the venue management or a cycling club to first experience the feel of a fixed gear before deciding whether to commit.

Conclusion

Track racing is the purest form of speed competition in cycling—no equipment gaps to hide behind, no terrain to rely on, only the rider’s fitness, technique, and tactical intelligence. For road cyclists looking to improve their riding technique, cadence efficiency, and sprint power, regular track training is an extremely effective supplementary workout. Although Taiwan’s track facilities are limited, the competitive atmosphere is steadily improving, and it deserves more attention and participation from cyclists.

Related Reading

• Track Cycling for Beginners: The Principles of Fixed Gears, How to Ride Without Brakes, and Differences from Road Bikes
• Track Cycling: Technical Analysis of the Fastest Racing at the Olympics
• The Science of Track Cycling Speed: Pushing Limits on the Oval Track
• The Hall of Speed in Track Cycling: The Science of Wooden Track Banking and Speed Limits