Going Around in Ovals

The Northbrook Velodrome is one of the few places in the country to enjoy track racing.

What’s oval, 382 meters long, has an 18-degree bank on a concrete-coated, asphalt surface, and is located in Northbrook, Ill.? If you know the difference between a trackstand and a kickstand, you know I’m talking about a beautifully designed bicycle-racing track 20 miles northwest of Chicago, the Ed Rudolph Velodrome.

The Velodrome, named after the trainer of some of the greatest speed skaters in U.S. history, was originally built in 1959, rebuilt in 2004 and completely resurfaced in 2005, making it one of the premier velodromes in the country.

Track racing is not new. During the 1920s, Madison Square Garden and the Chicago Stadium were just two of the venues that packed in capacity crowds to watch marathon events like the Six Day Races. Today, besides the quadrennial surge of Olympic interest, track-racing enthusiasts are usually friends and family of a dedicated cadre of cyclists riding specially designed bikes in races with curious names.

Track racers ride on lightweight, fixed-gear racing cycles with no brakes and no derailleurs. The fixed gear (one small gear at the rear wheel hub and one large gear at the pedals) turns all the time. If the wheel goes round, the pedals go round. With no freewheel, you can’t coast. With no brakes, you must make your feet heavy on the pedals to slow, and place a gloved palm on the rotating front wheel, or backpedal if you can, to stop. With special design characteristics to improve performance on steeply banked tracks, a good sprint or points race bike costs around $2,000, with some specially designed $5,000 aerodynamic carbon framed bicycles to be seen upon occasion. You can rent track bikes from track sponsors, Alberto’s or Turin bike shops, or from the limited number of track bikes available at the velodrome.

Whether you plan to be one of the 100 plus racers, or the 300 or so attendees in the stands, a variety of races takes place every Thursday night from late May to early September. USA Cycling Category 1, 2, 3, 4, and Juniors will spin their wheels in the following events:

THE PURSUIT: Individuals or teams start on opposite sides of the track and chase each other, trying to turn in the best time over 4,000 meters for men and 3,000 meters for women.

THE KILOMETER: A timed race, “The Kilo” features speed, stamina, aerodynamic cycles and wind suits to help riders turn in their best times. This grueling, endurance event is painful to ride and astonishing to watch. Riders accelerate as hard as they can from a standing start and go as fast as they can for 1 kilometer.

FLYING 200: From a flying start, the clock begins as riders cross over the start line. Riders use different methods to build up speed, many standing up and riding down the steep bank to cross the start at max speed.

THE SCRATCH RACE: A mass start race, teams of racers use speed and tactics to put one of their riders across the finish line first.

THE MISS AND OUT: Also called “Devil Take The Hindmost,” a variation of the Scratch Race where the last rider to cross the finish line after each lap is eliminated.

THE POINTS RACE: Another variation of the Scratch Race in which points are awarded to top placing riders in a series of sprints conducted at intervals during the race.

THE MADISON: Named after Madison Square Garden, it is the most prestigious track event. A Points Race for teams of two riders, it combines speed, endurance, teamwork, and tactics. The winning team covers the most laps in the time allotted. You’ve got to see the incredible “hand-slings” as a one racer comes down from the top of the track and his teammate literally throws him into the race.

SPRINTS: Two or four riders start at the same time and race against each other, not the clock. This is the race where you may see the racers slow or come to a near stop as they wait for one of the riders to break into an all out sprint for the finish line.

THE BELGIAN WIN AND OUT: A combination of speed and mental strategy, the first rider to cross the finish line is awarded 5th place, the second rider 4th place, etc.

THE KEIRIN: Originally made popular in Japan as a big time betting sport, this race became an official event in the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. A motor paced jostling of cyclists follows a pace vehicle that gradually builds speed and departs the track with between one and two laps remaining.

Harold Berman, vice president of rider development at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, co-ordinates track clinics every Monday and Tuesday that provide non-competitive programs including pace line riding and other track skills.

There is time set aside for those learning how to ride a fixed gear track bike and use the Velodrome banking, with a goal of preparing new riders to enter the Thursday and Friday night races with confidence. Participation can qualify riders for a USAC category, which is required to race on Thursday nights. There are also high school programs and special Women’s Clinics available at the velodrome.     

You can try track racing every Friday night in the Development Series. Race Director Manfred Ray says you can show up with anything from a BMX to a balloon tire bike with one working brake and a helmet, and non-licensed riders can satisfy their curiosity about track racing in a fun and free wheeling atmosphere.

Amidst the amazing array of exotic bikes, and the camaraderie of elite cyclists, you are guaranteed a great time. Make the trip to Northbrook and check it out. www.northbrookvelodrome.com