Latest Results

  • A beautiful summer evening for bike racing. A stiff south wind made the home stretch challenging to riders...July 1, 2010After a few weeks of sketchy weather, a gorgeous evening sun shone on the Velodrome last Thursday... June 24, 2010

  • Two teenagers made their presences felt in a world class men’s field at the 2010 MN Fixed Gear Classic. Read the race summary now...Fixed Gear Classic

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Rider Information

Training Policies and Schedule


 

RIDER INFORMATION

Fees

  • »  Training: $10.00 per session or free for season pass holders.
  • »  Season Pass: $100.00 per season and covers all training sessions and open ride sessions.

Waivers

Anyone riding or training on the National Sports Center Velodrome must first read and sign a NSC Liability Waiver. Minors must have their parents read and sign this waiver. The waiver must be signed each season before any training is done on the track. Races are run under permit of USA Cycling and USAC licenses are required and waivers must be signed as a condition of entry into a race.

Experience

Riders should be prepared to handle themselves on a track with these extreme dimensions. Those not familiar with this type of velodrome would be well advised to enroll in the Introductory Track Class in order to learn the proper etiquette, procedures, and skills necessary to safely race on this track.

Equipment

Equipment that is necessary to ride on the track is a track bike with a single fixed gear and no brakes. Quick release wheels are not allowed with the exception of individual time trials. A bottom bracket height of at least 27 cm from the ground to the center of the bottom bracket axel and a crank length of 165 or 170 mm is recommended in order to allow for proper pedal clearance with the banking. A ANSI or SNELL approved bike helmet is required when riding the track. Cycling shoes and shorts are recommended. Clipless pedals are allowed as are toe clips and straps. Jerseys or tops should cover the shoulders. Gloves are recommended but not mandatory. Tubular tires must be well glued on to the rims. Equipment should be in good condition.

Training Zones of the Track

There are different zones of the track that every rider should be familiar with. These are areas where certain types of activities should be practiced and other activities should be avoided.

Racing Rules and Etiquette

All racers should review and be familiar with the rules and etiquette for the NSC Velodrome. The extreme dimensions of this velodrome demand following the rules and etiquette established for the safety of all riders.

Jurisdiction

The riders are under the jurisdiction of the track director or instructor in charge of the training session. If in their opinion a rider or their equipment is judged to be insufficient for the safety of all concerned riding the track the rider may be asked to exit the track until changes are made.

Omnium

The Thursday Night Track Race Series is an 'E' level race and is therefore scored as an omnium. The top four finishers in each event will earn 5, 3, 2, 1 points towards the night’s omnium. The top five point scorers in the overall night’s omnium will score 7, 5, 3, 2, 1 points towards category upgrade provided there are at least 10 riders in the field (20 for Cat 1 upgrade).

Upgrades

All track upgrades are processed by the Velodrome Managers using the following criteria:

  • »  Riders finishing in the top five in an event at a National Championship, National Qualifier, Category A, B, or C track race will receive 7, 5, 3, 2, 1.
  • » Top four in D, and E level races receive 5, 3, 2, 1 points.
  • »  Events with field sizes smaller than 10 riders do not qualify for upgrade points to Cat 2 or 3.
  • »  Events with field sizes smaller than 20 riders do not qualify for upgrade points to Cat 1.

 

From To Requirements
Cat 5 4 Complete a Velodrome class or 4 race days.
Cat 4 3 5 race days and 20 points
Cat 3 2 5 race days and 25 points
Cat 2 1 5 race days and 30 points

 

One half of the points earned this season can be carried over to next season at this track.

Downgrades

A rider may be downgraded for the following reasons: unsafe riding; lack of placing within current category; or lack of ability to compete in current category.

 

 

 

TRAINING POLICIES AND SCHEDULE

2010 will see programming and policies little changed from previous seasons. Note the Schedule and Qualifications listed below along with Training Fees.

Weekly schedule

Monday

4:00 - 7:00 PM: Race Training

7:00- 8:15 PM: Structured Training

8:15 - 9:30 PM: Open Training

Tuesday

4:00 - 6:00 PM: Open Training

6:00 - 8:30 PM: Introductory Class

Wednesday

4:00 - 6:30 PM: Open Training

6:30 -8:30 PM:Juniors

Thursday

4:00- 5:00 PM: Open Training

5:00- 7:00 PM: Race Warmup

7:00-10:00 PM: Race

Friday 4:00 - 9:00 PM: Open Training
Saturday

9:00 AM -12:00 PM: Open Training

1:00 - 2:30 PM: Kids program ( June19,26, July17,24)

2:30 - 4:00 PM: Open Training

Sunday Closed

 

Racer Training is open to riders who:

  • »  Are currently licensed with USA Cycling
  • »  Have a signed NSC Waiver on file for the current season
  • »  Have competed at the velodrome
  • »  Have a scheduled training plan for the session
  • »  Hold a current Season Pass for the velodrome
  • »  Have been approved by the Track Director

 

Structured Training is open to riders who:

  • »  Have a signed NSC Waiver on file for the current season
  • »  Have completed the Introductory Track Class or
  • »  Have or are competing at the velodrome or
  • »  Have been approved by the Track Director
  • »  Have paid the appropriate fees

 

Open Training is open to riders who:

  • »  Have a signed NSC Waiver on file for the current season
  • »  Have completed the Introductory Track Class or
  • »  Have or are competing at the velodrome  or
  • »  Have been approved by the Track Director
  • »  Have paid the appropriate fees

 

Introductory Track Class sessions are open to:

  • »  Riders who are currently enrolled in the class and instructors only!

 

Race Warmup sessions are open to:

  • »  Riders preparing for Thursday night racing program only!

Madisons

  • »  There are 7 Madisons scheduled for Thursday nights.
  • »  Eligible riders will be paired by random draw with the exception of the MN State Championships and a few other races.
  • »  Only approved riders will be allowed to ride Madison events.
  • »  Riders must confirm their intended participation days prior to the event in order to determine if there are enough teams to run an event.

Team Pursuit Challenge

  • »  Teams will be considered for inclusion that have demonstrated that they have practiced the event prior to the designated event nights (arrange a time with the Track Director).
  • »  Riders may ride on only one team

Fees

  • »  Season Pass: $100 or $80 for 5 or more purchased together at one time. Note a Season Pass is required for Race Training session.
  • »  Open Training or Structured Training session: $10 per session or Season Pass.
  • »  Bike Rental: $5.00 per session. Renter is responsible for any repair costs for damage.
  • »  Rider’s Storage Container Hook Rental: $75 per season (April 1-October 31)