What is Speed Cycling?

What is speed cycling?

Speed cycling is a form of bicycle racing that derives from the sprint track and velodrome disciplines. It is similar to sprinting on a bicycle. One person, typically male, rides at top speed against another person in a short burst of time. The rider who covers most ground in the race wins.

The idea for this kind of competition came about when cyclists would ride to try and catch trains. They would have to ride fast enough to stay with their target but slow enough not to overheat or tire themselves out before they got close. And that's how it all started! Read on for everything you need to know about why it's called "speed cycling", what equipment you'll need, and more...

When did people start speed cycling?

People started speed cycling in the late 1800s. Cyclists would race to try and catch trains, and they had to keep a balance between riding fast enough to keep up but not so fast that they overheated or got tired out.

The first formal speed cycling competition was held in France in 1892. It was called "La Course de la Petite Reine" because the course was one kilometer long. This is where the race got its name: "speed cycle". And it's been going on ever since!

Why is it called "speed cycling"?

The term “speed cycling” is used because the competition is timed and riders must ride fast enough to stay with their target but slow enough not to overheat or tire themselves out before they get close. In other words, speed cycling is like sprinting on a bicycle.

What equipment do you need for speed cycling?

The equipment needed for speed cycling is fairly basic. You'll need a bike, an outdoor space, and the willingness to take risks.

Though it's not necessary, some people like to race in full biking gear for protection. This includes a helmet, gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads. Other safety gear you might want to consider are sunglasses and a mouth guard as well.

When you're racing at top speeds on your bicycle, it's important to make sure that you're taking care of yourself as best as possible. Safety gear will help keep you safe while racing and allow you to focus less on what could happen if something goes wrong while speeding down the track.

Some other equipment you'll need is a bike stand or rack so that your bike can be safely stored when not in use and a water bottle so that you don't become dehydrated during races or practice sessions.

Bicycle

The bicycle is the most important piece of equipment for speed cycling. This is because cyclists will be using their bikes to race against one another.

If you want to be competitive, you should purchase a bike that is lighter than usual and has a larger range of gears. This will allow you to better control your speed during the race.

There are also different types of bicycles that can be used in speed cycling such as a fixed gear bike, which has only one gear and no brakes, or a single-speed bike, which has only one gear but comes equipped with brakes. These bikes are popular with some racers because they're easy to ride and control.

Arm and chest guards

Speed cycling is not as dangerous as it sounds, but you should still wear arm and chest guards. They are made of leather or a hard plastic that covers your arms and chest. There is also a plastic cover on the front of the guard to protect your neck.

Speed cycling requires a lot of physical energy, which means you'll sweat while racing. The arm and chest guards will help keep your skin from rubbing together, which could cause abrasions. Wearing these guards will also help keep you safe in case someone crashes into you.

Gloves

Gloves are an absolute necessity for any speed cyclist. It's important to have a good grip on the handlebars while riding and that's not easy without gloves.

Gloves also protect your hands from blisters, road burns, and other hazards of the sport. Gloves come in a variety of styles for different weather conditions and offer varying levels of protection: full-fingered gloves for cooler weather, half-fingered gloves for warm weather, and fingerless gloves as an extra layer of warmth in cold weather.

Helmet

A helmet is required for any sort of cycling. This protects the most important part of the body, the head. If you're riding a bike, you should wear a helmet to protect your head from injury in case of an accident.

Benefits of Speed Cycling

Speed cycling can help you with your fitness goals. It's a great workout that will get your heart rate going and push your body to its limits. It's also a great way to push yourself.

The other benefit of speed Cycling is that it's a lot of fun! It might be one of the most exciting sports there is, which is why people love it so much.