Ipswich Bicycle Club visit Olympic velodrome in Stratford

A member of Ipswich Bicycle Club at the Olympic Velodrome in London (Image: Archant)

The group of 32 cycling enthusiasts took part in the track day at the velodrome in Stratford in December, where they experienced the banked circuit and competitive cycling on bikes without gears or brakes.

Steve Grimwood, chairman of Ipswich Bicycle Club, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. I have cycled in a velodrome before, which is very unique, so to be able to offer that to our members was a fantastic thing.

“You previously had to go to Manchester or Wales to ride on an indoor track, so to do it on a relatively close track is definitely a good thing.”

Cyclists of all abilities took part in the day, with some able to work towards their accreditation in track cycling, while beginners could get a feel for cycling in a professional arena.

Members of Ipswich Bicycle Club at the Olympic Velodrome in London (Image: Archant)

Jane De Boltz, a member of Ipswich Bicycle Club, who took part in the running for beginners, said: “It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Initially it was pretty scary when you go in and see the way it is banked.

“I thought there was no way you can get up to the top and they were fixed bikes with no brakes, so that was nerve-wracking too.

“But the coaches there are brilliant and you find yourself higher up until you are cycling at the top.”

Mrs De Boltz, 50, joined the group with her husband and 12-year-old son for what she described as a once in a lifetime chance at the venue, which has become one of the most regularly used venues following the 2012 Olympic Games.

She added: “It is an opportunity we may never have again, but now we have had that first experience we would definitely go again if the opportunity came up.”