Cycling

Getting Started

Not ridden the velodrome before?

Step 1 - Fill out a quick online registration form so you can book your first session

Step 2 - Check your email for a welcome message from Glasgow Club with a one-time PIN number that'll let you set up a booking password

Step 3 - Book your first "Adult Accred 1" or "Junior Accred 1" session by logging into our mobile app or booking website or you can pop in to the Emirates Arena or call us on 0141 287 7000.

What's on in the next 7-days is shown online and in our app. If you want to see the timetable for a full month you'll find it here (though please note it's subject to change).

Already an Accredited Rider?

Once you've completed and passed the four accreditation levels you can book "accredited ride" sessions to enjoy an hour's riding with others. You'll also find DST sessions (Discipline Specific Training) - 2 hours of coaching to help you hone your track skills and fitness, Derny Accreditation sessions where you'll learn to ride safely behind the derny bike, and more.

Book now by logging into our mobile app or booking website or you can pop in to the Emirates Arena or call us on 0141 287 7000.

Prices

View the Velodrome prices.

General Admission

​Family Session (Ratio:1 adult (over 16) to 2 Kids (under 16)

(Taster session, 45mins) N.B. Not accredited session (Price includes bike/shoes/helmet hire)​​. 

Adult: £10

Junior: £8

Special Event Sessions

Call 0141 287 9805 for more information on special event sessions.

Please note: as of the 1st S​eptember 2015, for both juniors and adults, full payment for accreditation pathway sessions, family sessions, DST and drop-in sessions, will be required at time of booking, whether this is online, over the telephone, or in person at reception. We thank you for your co-operation with this. 

Velodrome Accreditation level1 and 2 gift vouchers are available here.

Accreditation Pathway

Family Sessions

A basic, coach-led session giving families the chance to experience the excitement of the track together for the first time. Please note that these sessions are for novice riders, and that they are one-off introductions to track cycling, and will not count towards accreditation. For those who are more experienced, or looking for the next steps, please explore our accreditation sessions below.

Minimum age 8 and maximum ratio 1 adult to 2 under 16s.

Bike hire, helmet and cleats all included within the price. These sessions are 45 mins.

A member of your party must be under 16 years of age to take part in this session. Family sessions are designed to allow novice/ young riders enjoy on the track with their family. ​

Level 1 | Introduction To Track Cycling - 1 Hour​

This is the first step for anyone who wants to ride a fixed gear bike on a banked velodrome and as such is the first part of the accreditation process. The coach will take riders through a check list of skills necessary to allow the rider to enter the track and ride on the banked surface safely. If you can peform the skills satisfactorily you will be eligible to progress to the next stage of rider accreditation. If the rider does not perform the required skills or booked only to try they can book as many introductory sessions as they wish.

Level 2 | Improve Your Track Skills - 1 Hour

The second of the four accreditation sessions is designed to move the rider into group riding on the track and allows them to become more independent. Again the coach will require the rider to demonstrate a series of skills including those listed in the introduction session before moving on to the next step.

Skills covered will include accelerating in and out of the saddle and completing a track tour.​

Level 3 | Preparation For Accreditation - 2 Hours

Advanced skills are taught in this session and the rider must demonstrate a certain level of fitness, 30 minutes riding with a group. Skills included in this session include riding in close proximity to other riders and an Italian pursuit race.

Level 4 | Accreditation - 2 Hours

This is the minimum required to allow riders to take part in open sessions, structured training, competition, bunch races and track leagues.

All skills listed in previous sessions must be demonstrated to the coach who will assess whether a rider is safe to enter the track as an accredited rider, capable of entering structured training and competition.​

Sessions can be booked up to 31 days in advance.
Bookings can be made online, via the App or over the phone at the Emirates Arena on 0141 287 7000 during centre opening hours.

Due to the high demand for spaces, the fairest way to allocate places is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so please check the app for upcoming sessions and book your space as soon as the session opens.

Code Of Conduct

When you come along to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome for the first time, you will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire*, and to read through and sign our Code of Conduct**. These documents are part of a number of measures we will be bringing in to improve your experience, and health and safety in the facility. The forms take a short time to fill in, and you will be required to complete before accessing the track, so please ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your session is due to start. If you do not arrive 30 minutes prior to the session start time, please be advised that you may not be able to take part in the class.

For those under 16, a parent or guardian will be required to counter-sign, so please ensure that an adult is present for your first session.

*A sample of the health questionnaire you will be asked to fill in can be found here and should be looked through prior to you coming to the venue. If you have any concerns and are ticking any of the following boxes:

• Cancer
• Recent Surgery
• Faint and Dizzy spells
• Epilepsy
• Tumour

You must see your GP and bring with you written confirmation that they are satisfied that you are able to take part in the activity.

** The Code of Conduct can be found here​​.

Accreditation sessions are subject to late cancellation due to minimum participant numbers required. If you have booked a velodrome session we endeavour to contact you and give you as much notice of cancellation as possible.

Special Events

Birthdays, Corporate, Community Group And Schools

You can book the Velodrome for a variety of group activities, such as birthday parties, corporate events and school bookings. The sessions last one hour and give participants an introduction to the basics of Velodrome riding. We have bikes to fit all which are available to hire (find out more in our Equipment section).

The minimum age for riding the Velodrome is 11 years old​. Over 16s ride as adults. The minimum age for birthday parties is 11 years old.

​For more information about Group Training sessions please contact the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on 0141 287 9805.

Large Track Events

If you are interested in hiring the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome for a larger event please email EmiratesArenaAdmin@glasgowlife.org.uk

Equipment

What should I wear?

Upper body a lightweight long-sleeved top with a t-shirt underneath is best.

Legs cycling or running shorts are best but track suits/jogging bottoms will also be fine.

Shoes trainers or, if you know how to use them safely, you can hire cycling shoes from us which fit our clipless pedals. If you wear your own cycling shoes they need Look Keo cleats. Please note that the type used on most Spin class bikes won't fit.

What is the specification of a Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome bike?

If you are bringing your own bike to the velodrome it has to be a bike intended for track use. Please ensure that:

• The frame does not have any braze on additions
• Track drop outs are fitted
• It has tyres that are intended for track use
• New tyres have been properly prepared
• Bar ends are fitted and secure in handlebars
• There are no quick release spindles
• Wheel spindles do not extend beyond the track nuts, front and rear, and are sawn off flush with the nut and filed smooth

How do I prepare my tyres for track use?

To prepare your tyres for track use, rub the surface with alcohol or white vinegar or another degreaser before use. When at the Velodrome ride the first three laps on the Cote d'Azure or the bottom of the track.

How do I check the correct specification of a track bike for racing?

Visit the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) website to download any track specifications. They are also available within the Technical Regulations of British Cycling.

How so I hire equipment?

All the equipement that you will need to ride the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is available to hire at the venue. All you need to do is let us know your size and collect the equipment when you arrive from the Hire Shop.

Don't worry if you don't know what size of bike frame you will need; we can work this out from your height.

A helmet is provided free of charge with all bike hires. Helmets come in small, medium and large and can be adjusted to fit your head. You can bring your own helmet, as long as it meets the national safety standards and, if it has a peak, it is removed.

Club Training

​​​​​​​​​​​​3​Club Training Booking Process

Please note we are currently  not accepting applications.

Glasgow Life is pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to Scottish and British Cycling affiliated Clubs to hire the track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Sessions will run on Sundays. The venue will not accept any emails with booking forms before this date.
 

The application process is by email only.

If you are interested in accessing one of these sessions:

1. Please read through our Code of Conduct and Club terms and Conditions to make sure that you are able to adhere to our guidelines.

​2. Email in the completed Velodrome Club Enquiry Form with the sessions you are interested in in order of preference (maximum 3 preferences, you will be allocated 1 session depending on availability on a first-come-first-serve basis) to EmiratesArenaAdmin@glasgowlife.org.uk. You will need to provide your own, fully qualified track cycling coach (you will be required to provide details once you receive your Club Pack should you be successful in securing a date)

3. Our team will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your enquiry. Submission of an enquiry does not secure a booking: only once a booking is confirmed by our team in writing, and full payment has been made, is a booking secured.

4. Please note that should you successfully secure a date, full payment of track hire will be required within 10 days of receipt of notification. Any equipment hire to be paid in full no less than 14 days prior to your allocated session. Failure to adhere to these terms will result in the cancellation of your Club Training Session.

Please note that these sessions are not part of the Glasgow Life pathway, and participation in any of these sessions will in no way qualify you , either partially, or wholly towards the accreditation process at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome. In order to gain accreditation, you must register with Glasgow Life and follow our accreditation pathway. Find out more in our Getting Started section.

Prices

**Minimum height for hire bikes is 26" inside leg

All other prices (Bike hire, shoes, helments etc)

Please see below for information previously posted including things to consider when booking a Club Training Session

​​Things to prepare:

• Prioritise 3 Club Training Session dates and time slots from below (you will be allocated one of these on a first-come-first-serve basis)
• Secure Level 2 BC Track DSU Coach (facility will not be providing coaches) and have all valid documentation ready:

1. Valid Level 2 BC Track DSU Qualification Valid First Aid Certificate
2. Picture i.d. (if not on BC license) 
3. We will keep coach information on file for 12 months

• Have Club Velodrome Application Form​ completed ready to send
• Have a look through our Code of Conduct and Ts&Cs and ensure that you can comply with our track etiquette
  
  

Things to Consider When Booking The Track For Club Training:

• These sessions are for training purposes only. We will not permit use of these sessions for track racing/ competitions. Anyone attempting to use the track in this way will be asked to leave and their club made ineligible for any future bookings
• Maximum number 30 with 15 on the track at any one time. Juniors are welcome on the track and should be aged 10-15
• There will be no option to hire or use start gates or dernys during Club Training Sessions
• These Club Training sessions are not part of the Glasgow Life pathway, and participation in any of these sessions will in no way qualify you , either partially, or wholly towards the accreditation process at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome. In order to gain accreditation, you must register with Glasgow Life and follow our accreditation pathway here. 

UKIVA Accredited Riders

If you are an accredited rider at the Manchester National cycle centre, Lee Valley Velopark, Derby Velodrome or the Wales National Velodrome, and you have a “UKIVA” endorsement on your current BC membership card, or a letter of confirmation from the velodrome that you have completed the full path way, you must also have been on the velodrome on the last 6 months , then you can fast track to a level 4 accreditation class. On successful completion of this session, riders can then access the accredited rider programme, including  DST’s, (Discipline specific training sessions) and track leagues. Please follow the following stages to access the accreditation 4 session :

Para Cycling Track Sessions

Para Cycling Sessions Avilable

Youth Development Sessions

Camp 1 - Focus: Endurance

Endurance races are held over much longer distances. While these primarily test the riders endurance abilities, the ability to sprint effectively is also required in the Madison, Points Race and Scratch Race. The length of these races varies from 12-16 laps for the Individual and Team Pursuit races, up to 200 laps for a full length Madison race in World Championships or Olympic Games.

Camp 2 - Sprint

Objective: Sessions will be progressive over a period of 4 weeks, planning towards providing the riders with the knowledge, Skills, confidence and knowhow to become race ready riders for Sprint events.

Overall information

Sessions are designed to progress rider's ability at the components of sprint racing. Riders will work on a number of attributes geared towards making them a better racer with a focus on sprint. These sessions will include standing starts, flying efforts, short attacking racing and much more race specific drills. 

Camp 2: Sprint - Week - by - week breakdown

Week 1 - Skill & Technique based session

Week 2 - Tactical training session (race scenario)

Week 3 - Physical attributes for both Sprint

Week 4 - Coach Led Racing (CLR) (putting all previous skills into race scenarios)

Week 1

All athletes will learn how to be able to perform track standing starts with the required correct technique along with a process to apply them consistently to each start. The session will progress into team standing starts which will look at the different techniques starting at different positions. We will then progress the session to track standing along with some fun racing towards the end of the session.

Week 2

All riders will have the opportunity to take part in tactic specific drills and learn how to put these into play in race scenario. Riders will progress they confidence with using the track in match sprint racing with some tactics from coaches. The session will then progress onto keirin tactic drills and some coach led races to finish.

Week 3

All riders will be able to engage in a physically demanding session with the key focus of positioning on the bike and remaining robust whilst under stress. All riders will gain an understanding of the pedalling technique whilst under fatigue along with decision making in race scenarios whilst under stress. The session will then progress into some fun coach led racing for all riders to experience how to best use the skills and techniques in racing.

Week 4

All riders will have the chance to apply all skills, techniques and tactics into a coach led race evening. All riders will have the opportunity to try different tactics in different races to gain experience and confidence in racing.  All riders will have the opportunity to reflect on the decision making and try new tactics in the next race. 

Autumn/Winter Season Guide

The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Guide Autumn Winter Season Guide (November 2023 - April 2024) 

Birthday Parties

Cycling Parties 

Stand out from the crowd and have a party at one of Glasgow's World Class cycling facilities. 

• Emirates Arena 
• Glasgow BMX Centre 

Find out more about our cycling birthday parties.