Madison, scratch race, points race, and team sprint—these are just a few of the many disciplines that make up track cycling. On the wooden track, where speeds are high and every lap counts, technique, timing, and teamwork converge. The constant search for aerodynamic advantage makes the game even more complex, especially during multi-day events where the disciplines are completed at a rapid pace. This is Velodrome Voices: where we talk to track cyclists about their races, rituals, and everything in between.
Comeback on the track
The DBC three-day race was held at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen from November 11th to 13th. Yilla Threels, riding for O'Shea Racing and with a deep passion for track cycling, was at the start. It was only her second track race in three years, after missing due to, among other things, a skull fracture. "I only raced on the road for one season, and because of my crash and injury, I also missed a whole year." But this season, she started to feel the itch again, so she made her return to the track. Although she still experiences residual head pain ("I have a headache every day, and I'm still recovering"), the track feels like coming home to her; the atmosphere, the people, the madison, the variety of events—exactly what she loves most.
According to Yilla, the track is also less individualistic than the road. "It depends on the event, of course. At a National Championship, everyone is focused on themselves, but at an event like the one in Copenhagen, it's primarily a fun time."
Inside a three-day
But how does such a three-day event work? Yilla: "The preparation starts with registration or invitation; the rest, like transportation, is arranged by your team or you do it yourself, although a hotel is also arranged." She often arrives a day beforehand so she can have a look around the track, get some exercise, and catch up with friends who are also riding there.
Track races are often held in the evenings, and this was also the case in Copenhagen, meaning Yilla was at the velodrome between four o'clock in the afternoon and midnight for three consecutive days. Incidentally, the frequency of races and the length of the breaks between races vary by event; these range from fifteen minutes to almost an hour. During the three-day event in Copenhagen, Yilla competed four to five times a day, and according to her, the rest was quite long, between thirty and fifty minutes. "But most of the time you're cycling in and out, so it's not really rest."
The components also vary per event. Because the DBC three-day event isn't an official UCI event, for example, the longest lap was ridden, an event that isn't standard on the schedule. Yilla: "That means the organizers set a starting time, but that time is unknown. Riders have half a lap to get to the starting line, and when the starting shot goes off, it's a one-lap sprint." She adds: "That could be after ten seconds or after five minutes, so you have to get as close to the line as possible, but you can't go over it." Yilla enthusiastically recounts how her duo and teammate Izzy (Escalera) won the longest lap. "That's definitely my favorite moment of this weekend!"
The magic of the couple's race
She's very clear about her favorite event: "the madison!" For her, this event represents the perfect combination of tactics, technique, and overview. "You have to constantly know where everyone is riding and anticipate the moment. When you're 'resting,' you're really just focused on seeing where your teammate is riding, what's a tactically sound move, and how hard you have to ride for a good transition."
Although she registers individually for some events and rides the madison with a random rider, this time she rode with her O'Shea teammate, Izzy. "In the beginning, we really had to find each other, also because she normally pairs with someone else." But the girls' teamwork grew day by day, and according to Yilla, the timing of the sprints also improved. "I think we rode aggressively and can be really satisfied." In terms of goals, the girls went into it with a relatively open mind. "Especially in the first races, we kind of took it in stride." She adds that the three-day race is definitely a matter of ups and downs. "On day two, we were a bit weaker, while on day three we scored a lot of points again." According to Yilla, it was mainly a matter of determining the tactics and what needed to be improved shortly beforehand. "It was truly a collaborative process of improving."
That shared process can sometimes be intense. In the heat of the moment, you have to be able to take a punch, she says honestly. "You have to be able to handle being snapped at. Afterward, you just say sorry, and then it's all okay," she laughs.
Track cycling, don't underestimate it!
It's clear that the track is a branch of cycling that involves much more than just pedaling hard. Yilla immediately agrees and finds it important to point out. "Road cyclists sometimes talk down to the track. They think, 'Oh, he has a European Championship medal, I can do that too,' but they underestimate the tactics involved." Cycling on the track seems easy, she says, but racing is something completely different. She cites the Madison as an example: it's already difficult for outsiders to follow, let alone to race yourself and maintain an overview.
Step by step stronger
This three-day event clearly left Yilla wanting more. She saw herself improve over the weekend and felt once again how much she enjoyed the track. It was especially special because, after her skull fracture, doctors had said that cycling at this level would likely no longer be possible. "I proved her wrong," she says with a smile.
Aerodynamics as an additional weapon
Aerodynamics is inextricably linked to track cycling. A match made in heaven for Airoman. Yilla: "It's really great that Airoman supports our team." Yilla praises the socks , gloves , and especially the overshoes . She says the overshoes are easy to put on and take off (ideal for frequent starts), breathable, and don't discolor. She also finds the fit of the socks excellent: "I've tried many different types, but the Airoman ones are the only ones that don't slip down." She's convinced that the combination of overshoes , socks, and gloves adds value on the track. "We really try to utilize every possible aerodynamic advantage, so Airoman is a perfect fit!"
Want to keep up with Yilla (and other Airoman.cc riders)? Follow us on Instagram. @airomaniacyclingclub or read more soon on Airoman.cc !