Blog · Applied velodrome science

The physics of the velodrome, explained.

Gearing, CdA, Crr, W' balance, team pursuit drafting and everything that decides whether your athlete crosses the line with reserve or empty.

Track cyclist
Latest articles

Team pursuit: how positional drafting changes the CdA of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rider

Blocken (2018) and Íñiguez (2009) showed the reduction is not uniform. Data by position, by wheel-to-wheel gap and by quartet profile.

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How to calculate the perfect gearing for individual pursuit on a 250 m velodrome

Chainring, cog, roll-out and target cadence. The four variables that lock your time before the first pedal stroke.

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CdA in track cycling: what it is, how to measure it and why it determines your time

The drag area accounts for over 85% of dissipated power at 55 km/h. How to estimate it without a wind tunnel.

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2026 track tubular guide: Crr compared

Continental Sonderklasse, Vittoria Pista Speed, Veloflex Record and Dugast Pista Cotton measured on a wooden track.

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W' balance: the metric that separates a PB from a bonk in the last 1000

Skiba's model explains why some riders collapse two laps from the finish.

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Optimal cadence in individual pursuit: why 105-115 rpm is non-negotiable

Where the neuromuscular efficiency window is, and what happens when you drop to 100 rpm.

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Pursuit sprint start: the first 15 seconds that define the 4 minutes

Boillet (2024) measured the world-class power profile at the start. What to copy and what to avoid.

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Disc vs spoked wheels on track: when each and why

The rear disc is almost always right. The front wheel depends on discipline and residual velodrome airflow.

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Training with CP and W' for individual pursuit: a three-zone model

Concrete sessions, mesocycles, and why a 3-min max test tells you more than a 20-min FTP.

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Tubular pressure on a wooden velodrome: the equation between grip, rolling and comfort at 65 km/h

Siberian pine punishes over-inflation. Where the sweet spot really sits.

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