New riders and accreditation pathway

Track cyclist

All cyclists will need to undertake accreditation before riding on the track.

Never been on a cycle track before? 

If you're getting ready for your first ever session on the cycle track then fear not. Our highly-trained and experienced cycling instructors will be on hand to take you through the different stages to make you a confident rider. You'll be under the supervision of an instructor until you've completed all the accreditation stages to then be able to attend Structured Training sessions. You don't need to be serious about track cycling to have a go, you can just enjoy the ride! You can stay at the same level and carry on having fun - no need to take things seriously!

Four stages of the accreditation pathway

Our coaches want to ensure that you have learned the relevant skills before you progress through your cycling journey. To do this, we have a 4 stage process you can take to get your cycling accreditation. 

Please note that it may take several attempts to pass the stages as they increase in difficulty as detailed below.

Stage 1: Track cycling taster (introduction to track cycling) - 1 hour

This could be your first go at track cycling and can be a one-off taster session just for fun or to see if it’s for you or can be the start of your progress to gaining full track accreditation. Anyone with the Pay As You Go or Unlimited membership can book onto both the taster and stage one sessions - no certain membership is needed.

This first stage of accreditation is also our taster session for people wanting to experience the track, so there will be a mix of ages and abilities in these sessions. If you just want to have fun, you can come to this session as many times as you like!

At this session, riders will learn to:

  • Understand and operate toe clips and straps
  • Understand and control a fixed wheel bike in order to start and stop safely on the inner fence
  • Control pace whilst riding on the safety zone, cote d’azure and track
  • Use effective observation in order to enter and exit and move around the track safely
  • Control line whilst riding on the track
  • Understand how the track banking affects the speed
  • Ride confidently and safely on all parts of the track whilst holding the drops.

Stage 2: Improve (improving your track cycling) - 1 hour

This is the second stage of the track accreditation process and can only be booked if you have successfully passed the Inspire session (stage 1). This session builds on the confidence gained from the taster and progresses you towards riding safely in small groups. The aim is to build safe and confident group-riding through a number of fun well-tested drills whilst using the full width of the velodrome track. In order to progress to advanced sessions, riders must show that they can:

  • Ride consistently within 1 meter of the wheel in front
  • Effectively control speed to manage space between each other without 'kicking back' or overlapping wheels
  • Display consistent and effective observation and communication at all times
  • Change effectively from the front to the back of a line of riders in a paceline
  • Ride confidently and safely in pairs above the blue line

Stage 3: Advanced (track cycling skills) - 2 hours

The third stage of the track accreditation process can only be booked once you have successfully passed Improve session (stage 2). Building on the confidence gained from the small group riding in stage 2, this stage gradually progresses riders to riding even closer still in a safe and structured session. To progress and ride in an accreditation, riders must show that they can:

  • Ride consistently within 1/2 metre of the wheel in front ("on the wheel")
  • Change effectively from the front of a line of 16 riders on the black line, completing the entire change within 1 lap
  • Change in pairs effectively from the front of a group of riders above the blue line, completing the entire change within 1 lap
  • Effectively ride closely side by side in a ‘stack’ of five or six riders, changing from the bottom to the top at designated points

By using tried and tested drills coaches will get riders working together as a unit and gradually layer in a greater level of skill as your confidence continues to grow. Race-specific drills and techniques are widely used during this session in the lead up to the final stage of the accreditation process.

Stage 4: Accreditation (track cycling accreditation) - 2 hours

This is a two hour session. It is also the final stage for achieving the full accreditation. This stage can only be booked once the previous 3 stages are successfully completed. This is the stage where you will feel like you are ready to try a race, therefore race specific drills are used during the session.

With application of prior knowledge and skills learned in stages 1 - 3, riders completing all of the assessment tasks successfully will be able to access track leagues and Structured Quality Training sessions.

*We have a great range of discounts available. Find out more on our offers page

Cycling accreditation pricing

All stages must be completed to gain accreditation for the Derby Arena cycle track.

  • Stage 1 Track cycling taster (introduction to track cycling) 1 hour £17.90
  • Stage 2 Improve (improving your track cycling) 1 hour  £17.90
  • Stage 3 Advanced (track cycling skills) 2 hours £36
  • Stage 4 Accreditation (track cycling accreditation) 2 hours £36

Prices for all stages include bike and helmet hire.

What if you already hold an accreditation?

If you already hold an accreditation from another UK-based velodrome or if you have a significant amount of track cycling experience, you will need to come in for a Probationary Accreditation session to familiarise yourself with the velodrome at Derby Arena. Accredited cyclists are required to provide a proof of accreditation from the appropriate facility. These sessions will be of a very high level ability and will test fitness and track riding ability.

To join our waiting list for a Probationary Accreditation, please either contact us on 01332 640011 or come in and speak to a member of staff at reception.

This is what one of our customers had to say:

Approximately ten weeks ago l hadn’t been on an indoor track before. Simon (track cycling coach) had introduced me to track cycling and recently introduced me to SQT's. Both on and off the track he is an excellent communicator. It isn’t very often you receive exceptional coaching and customer service from someone who is not only passionate about his sport but making sure everyone he coaches is treated with respect and has opportunities to achieve their goals.

Structured training for accredited riders

The accredited rider page has information on what sessions can be accessed as an accredited rider.

Track league

Once you have developed racing skills on the track put these into practice by entering the Derby Arena Track League - find out more on the Track league page.

Women's only pathway

We are passionate about women's only cycling at Derby Arena. We have a number of sessions dedicated to helping riders develop in an environment where they feel comfortable.

Check out the Derby Arena Track Programme for session dates.

Women's Novice

If you're new to track cycling, we host a women's novice session where basic bike and track riding skills will be developed. The session is great for those who may be nervous or just want to try track in a non-pressured environment.

Accreditation for stages 1 and 2 can be gained at this session but is dependent on the skills achieved and would require sign off from the Derby Arena coach. The session includes bike, helmet and shoe hire.

Women's Development Session

This session is great for those who have ridden before and achieved a stage 2 pass or have approval through the Women’s Friday novice session.

The session will include group riding skills, training efforts and where suitable some race based scenario’s. The session will give riders the ability to apply for track leagues or for those that already race the opportunity to further develop.

Full Accreditation can be gained at this session but is dependent on the skills achieved and would require sign off from the Derby Arena coach's.The session includes bike, helmet and shoe hire.

*Please note the session is priced at a one hour price due to sharing the session with another group. The two session will not be mixed on track, so each group will rotate every 20 minutes on and off track.

Accreditation programme

Key

School Holidays

Cancelled Session

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Sun 31, Mar 2024 6pm - 7pm Derby Arena Cycling Track
Sun 7, Apr 2024 6pm - 7pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sun 14, Apr 2024 6pm - 7pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Mon 25, Mar 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 30, Mar 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Mon 8, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 13, Apr 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 23, Mar 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Mon 1, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 6, Apr 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Mon 15, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 30, Mar 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 13, Apr 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 23, Mar 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sat 6, Apr 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Fri 29, Mar 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Fri 12, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track Book
Sun 21, Apr 2024 6pm - 7pm Derby Arena Cycling Track
Mon 22, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track
Sat 27, Apr 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track
Mon 29, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track
Sat 4, May 2024 9am - 10am Derby Arena Cycling Track
Sat 27, Apr 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track
Sat 4, May 2024 10am - 12noon Derby Arena Cycling Track
Fri 26, Apr 2024 5pm - 6pm Derby Arena Cycling Track

Interested in undertaking accreditation?

In order to register and book for cycling accreditation, you will need to sign up for a Stage 1 membership - you can do this in person, over the phone or online.

Or buy a gift voucher for a session below.