Velodrome Tracks: Steepness, Banking Physics, and Rider Performance

How steep is a velodrome track?

Velodrome tracks feature significantly banked turns, with their steepness varying greatly depending on track length, design speed, and radius of curvature. While longer, older tracks might have banking angles as shallow as 15-25 degrees, modern Olympic-standard velodromes, typically 250 meters in length, often boast extreme banking angles that can exceed 40-45 degrees in their steepest sections.

Understanding Velodrome Banking

The distinctive, steeply angled turns of a velodrome track are not merely an aesthetic choice; they are a fundamental engineering necessity rooted in the principles of physics and biomechanics. This "banking" or "camber" is crucial for allowing cyclists to maintain incredibly high speeds through the curves without being forced outwards by centrifugal force, or sliding down the track due to gravity. The precise angle of the banking is meticulously calculated to optimize rider safety, speed, and performance.

The Range of Steepness: Degrees and Factors

The steepness of a velodrome track is not uniform and can vary significantly. Several key factors dictate the specific banking angles:

• Track Length: This is perhaps the most significant determinant.
  • Shorter Tracks (e.g., 250m Olympic standard): These tracks require much tighter turns, necessitating steeper banking. Angles in the turns commonly range from 38 to 45 degrees, with some even exceeding this. The tight radius at high speeds demands maximum banking to counteract the outward force.
  • Longer Tracks (e.g., 333m, 400m, 500m): With more gradual curves, these tracks can have shallower banking. Angles might range from 15 to 30 degrees.
• Design Speed: Tracks are built with a target maximum speed in mind. A track designed for higher average speeds will require steeper banking to safely accommodate those velocities.
• Radius of the Curve: A smaller (tighter) radius of curvature in the turns inherently requires a greater bank angle to provide the necessary centripetal force at a given speed.
• Track Material and Surface: While not directly affecting the angle, the smooth, low-friction surfaces (often timber like Siberian pine, or concrete/asphalt for outdoor tracks) mean that the banking must perfectly compensate for the lack of tire grip at high speeds.

It's also important to note that the banking is not constant throughout the curve. It typically transitions from a shallower angle on the straights (the "infield" or "apron" where riders can slow down or stop) to its maximum steepness in the middle of the turns, gradually reducing again as it approaches the next straight.

The Physics of the Banked Turn

The steep banking of a velodrome track is a sophisticated application of Newtonian physics, primarily concerning forces in circular motion:

• Centrifugal Force vs. Centripetal Force: As a cyclist rounds a curve, they experience an outward "centrifugal force." To counteract this, the track's banking provides an inward "centripetal force." This centripetal force is the net force acting towards the center of the circular path, allowing the object to move in a curve.
• Normal Force and Gravity: On a banked turn, the normal force (the force exerted perpendicular to the track surface) has both a vertical and a horizontal component. The vertical component helps support the rider against gravity, while the horizontal component provides the necessary centripetal force.
• Optimizing Grip: Without banking, a cyclist would rely solely on tire friction to provide the centripetal force needed to turn. At high speeds, this friction would be insufficient, leading to skidding or being thrown off the track. The banking reduces the reliance on friction, allowing riders to maintain speed and control with minimal effort, effectively "leaning" into the turn without sliding.

Impact on Cyclists and Performance

The extreme banking of a velodrome significantly influences how cyclists ride and perform:

• Riding Technique: Riders must learn to lean into the turns at the correct angle, which is naturally provided by the banking. They also learn to choose their "line" on the track – higher up on the bank allows for greater speed, while lower lines are used for slower speeds or tactical maneuvers.
• Physiological Demands: While the banking helps manage centrifugal force, riders are still subject to G-forces, particularly in the steepest turns at maximum speed. This demands significant core strength and bike handling skills.
• Safety: Far from being dangerous, the banking is a critical safety feature. It prevents riders from being flung off the track at speeds that would be impossible on a flat surface, allowing for competitive, high-speed racing.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Engineering

The steepness of a velodrome track is a testament to the elegant integration of physics, engineering, and athletic performance. From the relatively gentle slopes of historic outdoor tracks to the breathtaking near-vertical walls of modern indoor velodromes, each angle is precisely calibrated to transform raw speed and power into graceful, controlled motion. It's this masterful design that allows track cyclists to push the boundaries of human speed and endurance in a thrilling, safe, and scientifically optimized environment.