“It’s Been a While” – Rediscovering a Cyclist’s Triumphs in the Velodrome

Dusting off the cobwebs on his cycle, Matt Hansen straps on his helmet to re-enter the world of velodromes. Embarking on a nostalgic journey, he rekindled memories of elite pursuits, reckoning his spectacular defeats and the allure of championship jerseys.

In the peculiar arenas of a velodrome where bikes defy the laws of physics, having no brakes, Hansen rediscovered the thrill and quirks of riding through the turns echoing whispers of cycling legends.  

Hansen weaves a cycling tapestry sharing the history of velodrome

Hansen has been a part of a rich cycling history from the newly minted Mattamy National Cycling Center dating back to the vintage tracks of Vancouver and beyond. The cycling world has witnessed his victory in securing the second position in under-23 cyclocross nationals along with his disastrous loss against Alexander Cloutier from Quebec. 

As Hansen shares insights with the Cycling Magazine, tracing the history of the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, it was built for the Pan Am Games in 2015 and has withstood the test of time. Exploring the velodrome landscape in Canada, Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont has been a new addition to the list of indoor velodromes in the country. 

However, it has never been a cakewalk riding on the velodrome. As Hansen cites, riding on the track in Milton required undergoing a certification process. Even cycling prophets like Steve Bauer had to engage themselves in the training process that was divided into two programs having a two-session course.

An amalgamation of drills, drops and delightful chaos

Hitting the banking after being away from it for years, Hansen celebrates the physics of velodrome cycling. Overcoming the initial oddities of the sport, reminiscing the summers spent in Trexlertown, Penn, he exposes the anomalies of physics on the cycling track. 

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While at a slower pace, it might be an inhibiting experience for a cyclist; however, being engaged in the motion, the fear of falling soon fades away. 

Therefore, this experience offers a package of nostalgic and instructional looks while getting comfortable on banking. Apart from the whole new aspect that physics offers in the velodrome, it is through the maintenance of drills and safety protocols that the chaos of velodrome cycling can be controlled. Predictability is the key on the track paired with the need for communication. In the instance of overtaking, the rider needs to yell ‘stick,’ putting out the disclaimer to the other person not to move. 

With his return of Matt Hansen to the velodrome, it has much more to offer than just being a part of a training routine but paints a vivid picture of reunion with the essence of cycling. Witnessing a symphony of speed and shared passion, velodrome serves as a hub for champions to hone their skills.

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