Track cycling, takes place at a Velodrome, where the track, or piste, is either made from wooden boards, or concerete.

The circumference of the inside of the track (the lowest point) is either 250 metres or 333 metres for wooden board velodromes, with some concerete velodromes extending to 400 metres or more.

The smaller the circumference, the tighter, or steeper the bends at each end of the oval. 250 metre velodromes, such as Manchester, or Newport in the UK have almost 45 degree bankings.

The gradient of the banking is calculated to offer maximum stability when riding round the bend at speed. In fact, you don't actually steer round the bend, you simply carry on pedalling in a straight line, and let the banking 'carry you round'. You generally only have to steer to avoid other riders!

Velodromes are also designed to accomodate a crowd of spectators. Manchester Velodrome has about 3000 seats, plenty of areas to stand, and of course food and drink facilities.