Ride The Velodrome

Please see our timetable for session times. Before you book on any session, you need to become a member of the NCC, and have your details entered on our membership database. In the related box on this page, there is a downloadable health questionnaire and parental consent form. Please fill it in, and e mail back to admin@nationalcyclingcentre.com. Once we have you on the database, you can then phone up and book Taster, spin and some BMX sessions. On your first visit, we also need to take a photo of you (in reception) for our database records. Before your first Taster session, please read our advice sheet, Track accreditation - progression pathwaywhich appears in the related box on this page. You can also refer to our sizing chart, to order the correct sized track bike in advance of your session Bike size chart. As you progress, you can plan what other sessions you can ride, by referring to our winter activities programme, in the related box on this page Winter activities, or our Summer activities.

Taster Sessions

An introductory session for beginners. You will be riding with up to 15 (14 for a schools session) other riders on the track at the same time, for one hour’s duration. You will be given a set of skills to learn by the coach and each rider will be provided with a bike and helmet. The Taster sessions are great fun and are one of the most popular track sessions provided, so whether you want to be the next Sir Chris Hoy or Victoria Pendleton, or just curious to see what it’s like to ride round a banked cycle track, this is the session for you. Bring some friends or family for an experience you will never forget.

Once you have successfully completed a Taster session and are eager to progress further, the track programme provides a structured pathway to enhancing your track skills and fitness, and you will need to book more Taster sessions to progress. Download the Accreditation advice, in the related box on this page.

Youth Accreditation

For those aged from 9 to 15 years of age, the Youth Accreditation session is the route to refining your track skills to enable you to become an accomplished track cyclist. Download the Accreditation document for further information. The only session available for Youth accreditation is the Taster Skills Improver on a Friday evening 6:00 -7:00pm, and you must have had three hours of riding the Velodrome before booking on the Taster Skills Improver session.

Adult Accreditation

For riders 15 years or better - advise the coach on our Taster session that you want to progress towards your accreditation. The coach will set out what you need to do safely to get your "blue" slip - riding in a line of riders (minimum of four) at a brisk pace for 20 minutes, changing each lap and looking over your shoulder. You also need to achieve four solo laps at the top of the track. Once you have achieved this safely, the coach will issue a blue slip, and they hand this into reception so you can book on a Taster Skills Improver session.

Taster Improver

For riders 9 years or better, the Taster Improver is the next step to enhancing your skills, and overall fitness. This session focuses on specific key skills and routines designed to make you a fitter, safer and more confident track cyclist. Download the "Track Accreditation" document for further information. On a Friday evening 6:00 -7:00pm.

Skills session

Once you have been assessed as being ready to progress, you will be encouraged to move on to the Skills session and then the Induction session. These are intensive sessions and are a learning process and then a test of track craft for candidates to demonstrate the skills learned so that they can safely ride the Structured Training sessions. Both are two hour sessions, and for the Induction session you need the fitness to stay on the track for up to 35 minutes! Accreditation passes will be issued on successful completion. Accreditation for successful candidates also allows access to the ACT Track League during the winter on a Monday evening. Download the Accreditation document for further information.

Structured B Training

For the not so fit and not so fast, and a good session for those who have just gained their accreditation. Two hours duration. Thursday 6:00 -8:00pm.

Structured A & B Training

For accredited riders, 15 years or better, these sessions will further develop technique, skill and fitness. Progress from the “B” session once you have got some track speed. Two hours duration. Tuesday evening, alternate Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings in winter.

Structured Madison Training

Bring a training partner for this team riding session, or come on your own and ride with an experienced Madison rider. For experienced accredited riders only, so get 6 x A & B sessions in before riding this session! Two hours duration, alternate Saturday mornings.

Structured Derny Training or Structured Sprint/Keirin Training

Best to use your own bike for these sessions! Two hours duration.For experienced accredited riders only, so get 6 x A & B sessions in before riding this session! Two hours duration. Wednesday evenings 8:00 -10:00pm.

Structured Discipline specific training

New to Friday nights in the summer. Best to use your own bike for these sessions! Two hours duration.For experienced accredited riders only, this is a 3 hour session at a higher price. See the separate information for the various discipline specific and championship specific sessions available. Book in advance. Friday evenings 7:00 -10:00pm.