Sprint into 2024
We’re aiming for big and exciting new opportunities for sprinting here at the track in 2024, whether you’re an experienced track sprinter, have ridden the track a lot and want to try something different, or are newer to track cycling, there are lots of opportunities. If you think you might enjoy shorter, faster and more intense races and training, read on to find out more about training and racing experiences at Herne Hill Velodrome.
Sprint League 22 - © Alessandra Bucci
HHV Sprint Training
In 2024 we’ll be running our regular sprint training sessions most Saturday afternoons from 1.30-3.30pm. These are open to any riders with a Herne Hill Velodrome Training Accreditation or any previous sprint racing experience.
The sessions have been planned around the local and national racing calendar, to help riders develop and train for their goals. The coaches will suggest different training activities and drills each week, though if riders have their own specific training efforts planned we can facilitate those within the sessions. Some weeks we will have access to the start gate and focus on start technique and timing. We will also occasionally use a derny or pacing motorbike to help with your speed and acceleration. There are notes on the RiderHQ pages for each week with information on the planned content.
Sprint Racing Opportunities
Speed League
18th May - 15th June - 20th July - 17th August - 7th September (Sprint Only) - 21st September (Team Pursuit only)
Other Sprint Events
9th June - Brixton CC Super Madison
13 & 14th June - South London GP UCI Cl.2
21st July - Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome Senior Team Champs
Our monthly Speed League offers riders newer to sprinting a low pressure, supportive environment to try out match sprint racing for the first timers aged 14+. For more experienced riders its a chance to hone your skills and form ahead of bigger goals. Each round will include a match sprint competition where every riders gets a qualifying flying 200m time trial, followed by at least 2 sprint matches against riders of a similar speed with other events such as Team Sprints and Keirin. We’ll also be hosting a Team Pursuit competition as part of this league and on the same evening with local clubs and teams pitching their best riders to race against each other and the clock!
Brixton Cycles Club’s long running Supermadison event offers a match sprint competition and Keirin for both men and women. The sprint racing at the event is part of British Cycling’s National Sprinters’ League and is one of the countries most prestigious sprint events.
In 2024, the South London Grand Prix returns! This will be a UCI class 2 registered event, with international qualifying points available. The programme will include match sprints and Keirins for elite men and women. A great chance for some of London’s best amateurs to test themselves against visiting international riders on home turf.
The Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome Team Champs sees teams of 4 riders compete across a range of different events to compete for the overall prize. For the sprint focused riders in the team there is a Match Sprint (Qualifying plus 2 rounds) and a Keirin (qualifying heats and a final or minor final). Team up with some more endurance focussed friends and give it a try. Club teams will be given preference, but composite teams will be accepted if the event isn’t full.
For more information on the events mentioned above and links to enter please check out our race calendar page.
