2010 Track Season Starts this Weekend!
After officially the coldest winter for 30 years the long wait is almost over as Herne Hill is schedualed to re-open this Saturday 6th of March. One week ago, during the snow and rain, it seemed unimaginable that we could be riding the track again anytime soon, but this week is shaping up to be sunny and reasonably warm. The weather is set to hold throughout the weekend so Herne Hill regulars will be dusting off the cobwebs taking to the track after 4 months off.
Rollapaluza @ the Half Moon Pub - Wednesday 3rd Feb
Rollapaluza is coming to town!
The third round of Rollapaluza’s winter league will be at the Half Moon pub in Herne Hill (opposite the station, 10 Half Moon Lane) on this Wednesday - 3rd Feb.
Track League 2009 Results
Track League 2010 will feature a few changes we hope will make the racing even better than 2009. Full details of what to expect in 2010 will come in the next week or two. In the mean time, here’s 2009’s results to inspire your winter training.
HHYCC & Arctic London League Cyclo-Cross
The ice and snow have been causing problems even in the weather-hardened world of Cyclo-Cross. The national championships in Sutton Park, Birmingham have been postponed until the 7th of Feburary. This was due to be the date of Round 16 of the London Cross League at Herne Hill promoted by HHYCC & Arctic Premier. As a result this event has now been brought forward to the 31st of January.
Anyway, Herne Hill cyclo-cross riders aren’t scared of a bit of frost.
Thursday Roller/ Turbo Training Sessions - “Spin to Win”
Every Thursday Herne Hill Velodrome will be running roller/ turbo training sessions in the marquee from 7-8.30.
Indoor training is a quick and effective (and warm) way to keep, and improve your fitness over winter. Doing it on your own isn’t the most enjoyable experience so come and do it with others as part of a proper structured session. We have been running sessions for under 16s for the last couple of years and these have proved so popular it’s time for the adults to keep up!
These sessions are open to all, and after a successful trial before Christmas are re-starting this week with a progressive 12 week training plan to deliver riders to the start of the track season in good shape. The sessions will cover all bases (speed, strength, stamina) and will gradually get harder as the weeks go on. Don’t worry if you can’t make every week, but those who can should feel the extra benefit.
Bring either a road or track bike. We have enough training equipment for around 15 riders. Session price is £2.50. Contact hernehillbookings@gmail.com for more information
Rollapluza Winter League
What do track riders do when the track closes for winter? A bit of road training, cyclo cross, how about Rollapaluza?
Last years winter series was well attended by track regulars. Dulwich Paragon’s Matt Theobolds battled all series with VCL’s Joe wood for first and second spot, with Theobolds just getting the better of early leader Wood by the end of the series. Likewise, VCL’s Jason Cattermole and Rollapaluza CC’s Tim Renowden pushed each other all the way to third and forth spot overall. In the Womens league, the action between first and second spot was just as close throughout the series, with Rollapaluza CC’s Estelle Rogers getting so close, but never quite managing to beat the smooth cadance of Charlotteville CC’s Rachel Przybylski.
Rollapaluza Roller Racing sees two competitors racing head to head over 500m on static bikes powering the hands of a giant dial. The top qualifiers proceed to a series of knock-out round before reaching the final thrilling races of the night.
The first round of this years Winter League starts next Tuesday 22nd of December, at the Horseshoe Pub in Clerkenwell - EC1R 0AG, sponsored by Condor Cycles. Rollapaluza isn’t just for track supremos, and makes for a great night out weather or not you’re racing. See you there!
More information at http://www.rollapaluza.com/league2
New Years Day Madison Cyclo-Cross and Jumble Sale
People always think cyclists are no fun for being the first to leave a party. For the last few years VCL have been giving the perfect excuse - their New Years Day madison Cyclo Cross. Teams of two take it in turns racing round the velodrome’s cyclo cross course, relaying each other every lap. The event is run as a Go Race, so anyone can race - no need for racing licenses. Its a fun event, and a perfect introduction to Cyclo Cross. If you don’t have a partner don’t worry, just turn up on the day and find someone to race with.
A jumble sale will run from 10am. As a one off Herne Hill Velodrome will be selling off a container full of their equipment. There will be steel track frames, handlebars, track cranksets, pedals and tonnes more. All proceeds will go towards new hire bikes to be used next season, so grab yourself some bargains!
Racing starts after lunch, so you can still have a lie in.
Under 10/12 12.00pm Free to enter
Under 14/16 1.00pm entry fee £2.00
Main race madison 1.00pm
seniors £6.00
juniors £3.00
Cycle jumble 10.00am entry free
Guaranteed more fun than a hangover!
Herne Hill on TV!
Herne Hill Velodrome has been featured on BBC1 twice in the past week.
Firstly the “Get Cross” trainng session filmed last month with Mike Bushell, showing off the cyclo cross course in full racing action.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7370993.stm
Seccondly, an experiment to power a house with nothing but pedal power as part of the “Bang Goes the Theory” season. The trial for this was filmed over the summer in the track centre during the Saturday morning training session, with many track regulars taking part.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p8469/Bang_Goes_the_Theory_03_12_2009/
“Get Cross” - BBC filming at Herne Hill
The BBC would like to do a short feature on Cyclo-Cross for the national weekend news, and we need your help to make it happen. The film crew and presenter can’t film at weekends so instead of a race we’re inviting them to a one off mid-week session at Herne Hill on Thursday 5th November (this Thursday!)
National champion Jody Crawforth has kindly agreed to come along, but we also need riders of all ages and abilities to take part in some training, riding and maybe even some racing. This will also be a chance to promote Herne Hill velodrome and help ensure its future, so please do come and have a go!
Here is the proposed format:
- 1pm - 2pm: Arrive, set up the course, have a warm up etc
- 2pm-3pm: Hour long Cyclo-Cross coaching session for everyone including BBC presenters
- 3pm - 3:30pm: Interviews to camera with national champion Jody Crawforth plus others
- 3:30pm - 4:00pm: Mini-race
Muddy Hell - Halloween Cyclo-Cross
A team of volunteers from from all VCL, HHYCC and Rollapaluza CC were on site this weekend preparing the site for Muddy Hell - Rollapaluza’s Halloween Cyclo-Cross event being held Saturday 31st October. The event will feature great racing on our off-road course (including freshly added berms, rhythm section and other features) at night. The night is free to spectators with food, drink and music making for a great atmosphere. Come down and have some fun. More info here.
