Road and track cycle racing
Road and track cycle racing is the longest-established form of competitive cycling, which has a strong following, fuelled by events with a global profile such as the Tour de France and the Olympics.
Racing consists of longer distance road events or street circuit events, and enclosed track events at the sports arenas.
Road racing
Events involve a mass start of riders racing on closed (top level) or unclosed (lower levels) roads, following the geography of the area or on circuits using racing bicycles.
- How to get involved: Local clubs or riding on road with a group.
- Parent Body: British Cycling
- Bike: Lightweight frame with narrow wheels, drop handlebars and a wide range of gears
Triathlon
Cycling makes up one-third of this rapidly growing sport, which enjoys considerable cross-over with traditional road cycling. A triathlon is an endurance sports event consisting of swimming, cycling and running over various distances, with events lasting from around one hour, up to eight or nine.
- How to get involved: Local clubs and races
- Parent body: British Triathlon Federation
- Bike: Any, though large-wheeled hybrids or road bikes offer speed advantages
- Sporting status: Olympic
Track
Held on specially constructed banked tracks or velodromes for track bicycles, which are brakeless, single fixed-geared versions of road bikes, with ultra-light tyres and frames, and clipless pedals.
• How to get into: "Taster" sessions at local tracks such as Herne Hill.
• Parent body: British Cycling
• Bike: Similar to road bikes but without gears or brakes and with a fixed wheel.
• Sporting status: Numerous Olympic events