Velodrome Accreditation

Why You Need to be Accredited

To make sure new riders are ready and safe on the track, there is a minimum skill level you need to have. Safety is very important at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Because track cycling can be intense, our staff will make sure each new rider knows the track and its rules before joining any activities.

There is a four-stage process to get accredited, which means you will learn the key skills needed for track cycling and show that you are ready for the velodrome. Each stage has clear goals to keep you and others safe. You need to complete this accreditation to join open track sessions, advanced courses, and racing.

The Four Stages of Accreditation

There are four stages to accreditation. For more information on each, click the links below.

Please note we need a minimum number of riders to run an Accreditation 2 or 3/4 session.

Bookings are essential and need to be made at least 24 hours in advance. (We do allow bookings on the day if there is space and enough people for the session to go ahead.)

Taster Session

Duration: 1 hour

In this stage, riders will get to know track bikes, which don't have brakes or gears and are called "fixies." They will also get used to the velodrome's special wooden track and learn how to use clip-in pedals. Riders will practice getting on and off the bike safely and using the railing to stop. They will also work on controlling their bikes in different parts of the track, slowly going faster and building their confidence.

Session Objectives

  • Demonstrating a basic understanding of bike operation
  • Starting and stopping confidently using the railing
  • Properly entering and exiting the track with awareness and control.
  • Maintaining a steady position along the blue line for the required duration
  • Maintaining awareness of your surroundings at all times

Skills Enhancement

Duration: 1 hour

After finishing Accreditation 1 (Track Taster), riders move on to Accreditation 2. In this stage, they will get even better at riding on the track. Riders will practice controlling their bikes and learn how to keep a safe distance from the rider in front of them while riding in a group.

Sessions Objectives

  • Riding in formation while maintaining a gap of no more than one meter from the rider in front
  • Riding safely along the upper section of the track, staying within 1 meter of the rail
  • Seamlessly and safely transitioning from the front to the back of a group within half a lap

Skills Progression

Duration: 2 hours

After finishing Accreditations 1 and 2, riders can join Accreditations 3 and 4. These stages focus on advanced track riding skills and pretend race situations. Riders will learn more about the fast and exciting world of competitive track cycling.

In this stage, riders will get better at handling their bikes on the velodrome, building more confidence, control, and awareness. They will practice riding close to other riders while staying safe and following the rules.

A big part of this phase is learning to ride in groups. By now, riders should be able to ride confidently near others and move smoothly around the track, reacting to changes with control and awareness.

Riders need to complete this session successfully twice to get full accreditation.

Session Objective

  • Consistently demonstrating safe and effective riding, including in race-like scenarios
  • Adequate level of basic skills
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to instructions
  • Displaying confidence while riding, with the ability to make quick, responsible decisions