Upcoming Events
Thursday Night Lights - June 9 |
| 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
Small but lively women's field preps for Fixed Gear Classic
Six women raced tonight including two juniors new to racing at the NSC Velodrome this season. Several of the women also raced a few of the men's category races to get more training in preparation for the Fixed Gear Classic June 10-12. The first women's category race was a 10-lap scratch race. Lisha Herold (Sweet 'n Salty) played the rabbit in this race with two early surges off the front to which everyone responded. Herold's third surge with 2 laps to go set Linsey Hamilton (Synergy) loose and then Terra James (Sweet 'n Salty). Hamilton led James at the bell and held her off for the win. Megan Kelly (Omnium Racing) took 3rd over Herold. The Queen of the Sprint (QOS) event was a 3-lap sprint. The riders spent a lap looking at each other to see who would go first. It was James who opened up a gap which amounted to 10 meters at the bell over Kelly and Valerie McGoldrick (MnJRC). James held the 10 meter lead to the line for the win over a late surge by Herold, then Kelly and McGoldrick. The women's 30-lap points race (sprints every 10 laps) started off in a moderate pace line which held until 2 laps to the first sprint when teammates James and Herold attacked to get a quick 50 meter lead. The pair were focused on gaining a lap. Along the way Herold took the first sprint points ahead of James with Kelly and Hamilton bringing the rest across the line. Herold and James kept it hot and lapped the field with 15 laps to go. The second sprint was taken by James - Herold - Kelly - Anya Malarski (MnJRC). With 7 laps to go, James attacked again and got a second lap with 2 to go. The final sprint was won by Hamilton over Kelly, Herold and James. The two laps James took and the single lap Herold took were decisive in giving them 1st and 2nd, respectively, for the race. Kelly edged Hamilton for 3rd by a single point. Full results here |
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What's Happening Fixed Gear Classic Returns June 10-12
Back for the third year, the MN Fixed Gear Classic brings world-class track cycling to the NSC Velodrome for three days in June. This thrilling event kicks off the 2011 Nature Valley Bicycle Festival - the Midwest's largest celebration of cycling.
The MN Fixed Gear Classic pits professional and elite amateur track cyclists in fast-paced sprint and grueling endurance events. World Champion Franco Marvulli and US National Champion Shelley Olds lead star-studded fields in the biggest and most competitive running of this world-class event.
The 2011 MN Fixed Gear Classic will feature a unique dual omnium program that showcases separate competitions for sprinters and endurance specialists. Cross-over races will bring sprinters and distance racers together in search of omnium points.
Learn more about the Fixed Gear Classic |
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Racing 101
Pursuit
This event covers four kilometers for men, three for women. Two riders start exactly opposite from each other on the track and literally chase or "pursue" each other around the track. A rider can win the race in one of two ways: by either catching his opponent or by recording the faster time. Times are posted when a rider reaches each half lap. The best riders follow a "schedule", generally announced track-side by their coach. The event may be run with riders qualifying through heats to a final round or as a time trial in which the rider recording the fastest time overall is declared the winner. What to watch for: This race tests endurance and pacing of the rider's maximum effort. Watch for a rider to start out slowly, lulling their opponent into a false sense of security, and then come on strong at the end. Some riders will start out fast in an attempt to rattle their opponent and break their confidence, perhaps catching them. Training for this event consists of specialized track training as well as road training. Road racers cross over to this event very well. Here's a video of American Sarah Hammer's 2011 world championship pursuit ride. (Her 4th rainbow jersey). |
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Rider to watch
Franco Marvulli
 Four-Time World Champion Franco Marvulli (SUI), will show his stuff at the Fixed Gear Classic this weekend. Here's a little bit about this Madison legend. Good humor, spontaneity, quickness and impatience are only some my characteristics. When I'm not on the bike, I'm touring my neighborhood on inline skates or jogging round in the forest. Apart from sports, I read a lot (particularly on journeys). Biographies, novels, mysteries - a little of everything. My biggest passion is my home. I love mine spending time at home and keep it furnished comfortably. That makes it a perfect place to relax after a hard training day or a 6-Day. I frequently test new equipment for my sponsors - Ritchey, Continental, Xentis, ASSOS. I'm glad to be able to make a contribution to their product development. I love to train in the Veltlin, in the Bündnerland, the Black Forest or the area around Zurich. Even if my 187 pound and 6'3" body are not suitable for the mountains, I train most often uphill. My favourite course or better said my second at home is the Velodrome in Oerlikon. I grew up here and here I plan to retire. I know every meter of the track and am grateful to be able to race each Tuesday evening from May to September. Race Resume- Silver Medal: 2004 Athens Olympics
- 2x world champion Madison: 2003 Stuttgart, 2007 Palma de Mallorca
- 2x world champion Scratch: 2002 Copenhagen, 2003 Stuttgart
- 2x European champion Madison: 2004 Fiorenzuola, 2006 Copenhagen
- 3x European champion Omnium: 2001 Brünn, 2002 Büttgen, 2003 Moscow
- 30 6-Day race victories
- 7 World Cup victories
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About Us
Contact Bob Williams at 763.785.5614 for more information about cycling at the velodrome. | |
