With track class registration opening this weekend and it’s time to get yourself pumped up for high speed racing action. In preparation for our classes opening up, we got international class road racer and former MVA superstar Tyler Farrar to give us the inside scoop on why everyone should try out track racing, and a bit about his racing schedule this upcoming year. Check out this MVA exclusive interview below!
Amara: When did you start racing? When did you start track racing?
Tyler: I started racing on the road when I was 12 years old. Growing up in Wenatchee I didn’t have easy access to the track so it wasn’t until I was 16 that I got into track racing. I was lucky enough to get brought into the U.S. National team program once I was 17.
A: Everyone knows about your road racing career but could you summarize your track cycling career?
T: I did two years with the junior national team when I was 17 and 18. I focused mostly on individual and team pursuit, but rode pretty much all the endurance events. The year I was 19 I rode several world cups in both the individual pursuit and the madison. The next year I ended up switching full time to the road, but have continued to use the track for training and have done the odd race here and there when it fit into my schedule. I actually just rode the Burnaby 4 Day up in Canada a little over a month ago.
A: The MVA fans out there are dying to know… what is your favorite event in track cycling?
The Madison is by far my favorite track event. I feel like it is fairly unique, there just really isn’t anything else like it in the world of cycling. While it can sometimes be a bit confusing to watch, it is a lot of fun to ride.
A: You are an accomplished road cyclist and have had so much experience racing all over the world now. What are the benefits of racing/training on the track that you would share with other riders?
T: I think the track can benefit you in a couple of ways. It is about the best thing out there when it comes to speed training, that’s basically what track racing is all about. It’s also an excellent way to become an all around better bike rider. Riding the fixed gear smoothes your pedal stroke, and racing the track will certainly make you a better bike handler.
A: So, we have track classes coming up this summer to get people introduced to track cycling. Would you suggest track racing to a beginning/intermediate/advanced road racer? To anyone?
T: I think everybody should give track racing a try. It’s a lot of fun, and like I said before, it will make you a better bike rider. I count myself as lucky I was exposed to the track as a junior. I think it was instrumental in my later development as a sprinter on the road.
A: We wish you success on your new team, Qhubeka Cycling. Which races do you plan on racing this year and how can we follow you and your team?
T: My schedule is still a bit fluid, but the rough plan is to really target the spring classics, then Tour of California, Tour de France, and then focusing in for the World Championships since they will be in America. My team is very active on social media so Twitter and Instagram are great ways to keep up. They are always putting new content up on the team website as well.
A: Anything else you’d like to add?
T: I would just like to encourage everyone to look into the Qhubeka Foundation. It’s an amazing project that is really changing people’s lives across Africa. It’s pretty mind blowing the difference something as simple as a bicycle can make in someone’s life.
Excited to get into racing yet? Good! Head to our
registration homepage and get started with signing up for a class today!
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