NSC VELODROMEMAY 17, 2011
NSC Velodrome Newsletter
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Upcoming Events 
Thursday Night Lights - May 19
Thursday Night Lights - May 26
Thursday Night Lights - June 2
  
  
Intro Track Class 
Session 1: May 3, 10, 17, 24
Session 2: June 7, 14, 21, 28
Session 3: July 5, 12, 26, Aug. 2
Session 4: Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27
Women's Class: May 11, 18, 25, June 1
Licensed Rider's Class (open only to riders with USAC racing license): May 15, 22
  
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Race Report/News
Welcome to the 2011 Thursday Night Lights season!

Welcome to Track Cycling at the National Sports Center Velodrome. You'll find the racing fast, furious and exciting fun for the whole family.Throughout our 21 years racing on the 250-meter wooden bowl, we have seen many spectacular performances. This season should be no exception. In 2011, we continue our tradition of hosting national and international events with the return of the MN Fixed Gear Classic. International riders will take to the boards on June 10-12 to decide winners in both sprint and endurance disciplines.

Racing begins this Thursday, May 19 at 7:00pm. Don't miss all the exciting action on opening night!
 

You'll find our complete Thursday Night Lights race schedule here.

What's Happening
Have dinner with us! 
 
The Track Shack boasts a full dinner menu of hot food, cool treats and, new for 2011, ice-cold beer from Bricks American Pub. Grab a fresh-grilled burger or hot dog, Chili's salsa and chips or hot pretzels with cheese! Wash it down with a refreshing soda or beer, then satisfy your sweet tooth with some ColdStone Creamery Ice Cream. And as the lights come up and the temperature drops, grab a hot (or iced) cup of coffee from Peace Coffee.
 
The Track Shack also features a complete line of T-shirts and accessories from Twin Six. Check out these great designs from these local trendsetters. They've even created exclusive NSC Velodrome T-shirts and Hoodies for 2011. Be sure to pick one up - you'll be the coolest kid on the block!
Racing 101
Track Rider of the Year scoring

Each year, the top-ranked woman and man at the NSC Velodrome are awarded the Track Rider of the Year award. Watch for these riders wearing the yellow #1 all season long. The TROY competition tallies points from each night of racing. It's a test of skill, speed and perseverance. Points are awarded as follows:
 
The top 6 finishers in each Thursday Night Lights race will receive points, with 6 points for first place and 1 point for 6th. For fields less than 12, half the finishers will be awarded points with odd-numbered fields being rounded up to the next even number. A racer's best 30 races will be tallied for his or her TROY standings.
 
The TROY competition is open to all Cat 1/2 men and women in all categories. Cat 3 men may earn TROY points if they race in a Cat 1/2 event. Madison team members each receive full points for their finishing place.

Rider to Watch
2010 Track Rider of the Year - Andy Kruse

Andy Kruse PictureFollowing his teammate Brian Crosby's multi-year reign, Andy Kruse showed no mercy in 2010 and secured for himself the title of Track Rider of the Year. He went after the season with gusto, dedicating himself to consistent attendance and never giving up on the boards. And his efforts paid off with 2010 titles that include Master's National Champion in the 30+ Team Pursuit and the Madison, Minnesota State Championship in the Points Race, Omnium, and Team Pursuit; Minnesota State Champion in the Madison, and Peace Coffee Grind Champion.
 
Andy started racing mountain bikes in 1997, road racing in 2000 and track racing in 2005.  The challenge, self-discipline and self-sufficiency required of bike racers inspired his interest in the sport. As for what fuels his continued devotion to it, he cites the documentary, "Pro", in which former road pro Erik Saunders describes bicycle racing as a combination of training and tactics combined with some almost-artistic touches.
 
Andy formed SPEEDFIX Racing in 2007 to provide track racers with a support structure they couldn't find on other teams. Since then, the team has expanded its road presence and continues to uphold its track roots. In 2011, Andy looks forward to continued success with developing riders on the team, lending his support to the Velodrome and defending his titles.

About Us
The NSC Velodrome is located on the campus of the National Sports Center, a 501(3)c non-profit organization located in Blaine, Minnesota.
Contact Bob Williams at 763.785.5614 for more information about cycling at the velodrome.