What is your favorite race?

Track racing is a genre of the sport that supports those who cannot make up their mind about what they like to do the best. There are many different styles and types of races: from long Points Races to short Matched Sprints, there is something for everyone. When it all comes down to it, we each have our favorites. Sure, we do others, but there is that ONE race that ignites the track racing passion every time that we take the rail, and every time that we see it on the schedule. This race is yours.

My name is Ian Crane, and I’m addicted to the Madison.

That feels good to get off my chest. You might hear me say “oh, I like points races” or even “a 40 lap scratch race is my jam” but deep down nothing gets me to the rail faster than rolling up in a matching jersey with someone who you are about to embark on a blitzing fast, eye-blurring, lung-gasping, arm-slinging, legs-burning continuous throw-down of bike racing amusement.

There is something about the Madison, something very primal. It is hard to feel like a caveman while prancing around in a skinsuit on carbon wheels wearing a $200 helmet and $250 sunglasses, but the Madison lowers the gap. There is something pure about the Madison that I love: usually somewhere in the race it becomes fairly simple. You end up riding as hard as you can.

There are not many other races where you go as hard as you can and then get a specific moment to rest. Let me tell you something about the Madison- the first couple of rest laps are amazing. You feel like a superhero, ready to fly back into the race at 30mph. However, soon that changes. You start to gasp the whole resting lap, and as your teammate comes in for the exchange your body cries out for more relaxation.

The Madison is a race that makes your heart rate file look like a roller coaster. The file is full of high peaks and low valleys that are continuous every two minutes for 60+ laps. The Madison is your chance to throw someone has hard as you can at 30mph, and then get slung from 20-30 like you accidently stepped on the gas pedal in your late 90’s Ferrari.

The Madison is special. It is a race of individuals within a race of teams. The strategy is complex, the technique is race changing, and the crowd is enthusiastic. What other race do the participants ride at the rail dozens of times over the course of the race at very slow speeds? You are within reach of the spectators, glasses askew and tongue out.

Always waiting. Always ready.

My name is Ian Crane, and I cannot wait to do a Madison this season.

What’s your favorite race? Share in the comments!

(photographs courtesy of DBCphoto & Wheelsinfocus)