vuh-loh-druhm
Noun
A banked oval track for racing bicycles.
Example usage: 'Let's race on the velodrome track this weekend.'
Most used in: Countries with a strong cycling culture, such as France and Germany.
Most used by: Professional and competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Velodrome, Track Cycling, Banked Track, Pista,
What is a Velodrome?
A velodrome is an oval track designed for competitive cycling events. The track is typically 250 to 500 meters in length and made of polished wood or concrete, and it features two steeply banked corners. Velodromes are used for track cycling events such as sprints, team pursuit, and Madison races.
The shape of the velodrome track allows cyclists to travel at higher speeds than on a flat track, and the banking of the track encourages cyclists to use the momentum of the slope to keep their speed up. The steep banking also allows cyclists to take the corners faster than on a flat track.
Velodromes are commonly used in international competitions, and the UCI Track Cycling World Championships are held in a velodrome every year. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, track cycling events will be held in the newly constructed Izu Velodrome.
The History of the Velodrome: Where Cycling and Spectacle Collide
The term “velodrome” is derived from the French term “vélodrome”, which translates to “cycle track”. The velodrome is a track cycling arena designed for races and other cycling events. The first velodrome was built in Paris in the late 19th century, in the year 1885, and was called the Vélodrome d’hiver. It was used for both professional and recreational cycling events.
In the early 20th century, velodromes were built in other countries, including the United States. The first velodrome in the U.S. was built in Los Angeles in 1906. Since then, velodromes have been constructed in many countries around the world.
Today, velodromes are used for both professional cycling events and recreational cycling activities. Professional cycling events such as the Tour de France and the UCI World Championships are held in velodromes. Velodromes also provide recreational cyclists with a safe, enclosed environment for cycling activities.
The velodrome is an important part of the history of cycling and continues to be a popular venue for cyclists around the world. The velodrome has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 19th century, and its popularity continues to grow.
