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It can be a bit tough to find what you’re looking for on the Velodrome website, so we thought we’d put these exciting offerings “Front and Center” (abbreviated FAC… oh, I don’t think that’s a good abbreviation). If you’re looking for ways to get better at a variety of different track skills, race types/formats, or just want more excuses to show up to the track this year, you should give these clinics a looking over. You can register either by jumping to the bottom of the story and clicking the link or by using the main menu to find the section titled “2015 Classes” -> “Clinics” -> “Clinic Registration”. Just make sure you choose the right clinic from the resulting drop-down!

Pre-Season Clinics

All clinics are $20, unless otherwise noted (rental bike included in cost of class if needed). To register click HERE!!!

April 29th (6-8pm) – Welcome Back Clinic: Targeted at Cat 4/5 riders to ease them back into racing. We will have a coached warm up, mock racing, feedback and time for questions.

May 6th (6-8pm) – Welcome Back (Womens and Juniors ONLY): Targeted at Cat 4 women and juniors to ease them back into racing. We will have a coached warm up, mock racing, feedback and time for questions.

May 16&17th (block out the days!) – Jon Fraley’s “Form of Sprinting”: ($100) A two day clinic with Jon Fraley – read more about the details of the clinic here: https://sellfy.com/p/z3Pn/

May 20th (6-8pm) – Madison Clinic:  Whether you want to learn how to race the madison for the first time or you need a refresher course, this is the place for you! Bringing a partner is highly recommended by not required. Please ride a 48×15 to keep things together for this clinic.

Ready to register?  Head over to the registration page.

Change is on the horizon…

With our racing only a month away now (giddy giggles of excitement), the MVA wanted to make sure everyone is kept in the know regarding our race night plans. Some changes have been implemented since the end of last season. Most importantly, you’ll want to pay attention to know which night of the week to show up for! 

How much will racing cost me again?

Each night is a bit different, so the fees can be a bit confusing. Our fees information is now posted here for your viewing pleasure: 2015 MVA Fees

Pre-Season: May 1st-22nd

Pre-season is right around the corner! Starting on May 1st, every Friday night will host every category of racer, except for Cat 5 and Beginning Women (more on that in a sec). That means there’s a spot for:

• Cat 1/2 Men
• Cat 1-4 Women
• Cat 3 Men
• Cat 4 Men

Thursday Nights: Starts May 7th

Thursday Nights are designed for the beginners to get out and learn the basics of riding in groups on the track. Be sure to check the link for our gear restrictions for riders participating in this race series. Thursday nights host:

• Cat 5 Men
• Cat 4 Women without race experience

Monday Night Racing: Starts May 25th

Monday Nights are designed to prepare riders for the Friday Night Racing as well as to provide younger riders with a place to ride.  Monday nights host:

• Master B’s
• Juniors (A/B/C)
• Sprint Mania

Wednesday Night Racing: Starts May 27th

Wednesday Nights provide another night for developing racers while also providing Masters only racing.  Wednesday nights host:

• Masters A (35+, Cat 1/2/3)
• Cat 4 Men
• Cat 4 Women

Friday Night Racing: Starts May 29th

Friday Nights are the feature race night of the race schedule. Juniors will race once per month (down from twice a month last year). Friday nights regularly host:

• Cat 1/2 Men
• Cat 3 Men
• Cat 1/2/3 Women
• Advanced Juniors Once a Month
• Cat 4 Men Once a Month
• Madison/Keiran Night Once a Month

Want to know what’s going on during each race night?  Race schedules should be up next week, so keep checking back.  They will be posted in our forums and you can find the links on the individual race pages (linked above) when they are up.

We look forward to seeing everyone out at the track! 

Advanced Sprint Clinic by Jennie Reed

On Saturday, March 21, twenty-four lucky attendees enjoyed two hours of match sprint and keirin tactics from our locally-grown superstar Jennie Reed. The venue at Redmond Town Center, the SecondStory Hideaway, formerly the Big Picture Theater, offered up beverages, comfortable theater seats, and the biggest projection surface I’ve ever seen bicycle racing on! Jennie led us through a great curated list of videos of male and female match sprint and keirin racing over the past decade. 

We began with match sprinting, and analyzed videos exemplifying techniques like the “razor” (done well and done poorly), leading from the front, pushing from behind, and insightful discussion of several “what do I do when…” scenarios, including how to beat a roadie with tactical savvy. We took a break for beer, wine and Coca-cola, and then after a bit more match sprint discussion, we moved on to the keirin. We discussed what tactics to employ if you find yourself in the 1-2-3 spots, or the 4-5-6+ spots, how to surf wheels to a good result against faster riders, and finally wrapped up with the video of Jennie’s win in the 2008 keirin world championship. It was an excellent clinic, and left us clearly wanting for more, but the two hours was up way too quickly. Thanks to SecondStory Repertory for the great venue and for quenching our thirst, and thanks to Jennie for sharing her experience and knowledge with us. I hope we can do this again!

Roller Racing at Element Cycles E-Lab