The wheels are in motion for a great summer of cycling at Derby Arena

Wed 24 Jul 2019

With everything from family track cycling sessions and bike maintenance workshops, there is something for everyone at Derby Arena this summer!

Kicking off the summer holidays, with all the fun your little one could want on two wheels, Derby Arena’s balance bikes course allows 2-4 year olds to gain experience on a bike through fun games and coaching.

With family at the heart of the summer holidays, there are family track cycling sessions throughout. With no experience needed all the family can get on the track together and learn the basics from one of the Derby Arena coaches.

The fun doesn’t just happen inside the velodrome; there are outdoor led bike rides too. Departing from Derby Arena, the led rides are designed for families who want to get out on the road together but would prefer a planned route and the safety of a cycle leader. These social rides are a chance to socialise and are suitable people with road and hybrid bikes.

A key but overlooked element of cycling is keeping your bike maintained and on the road, track or mountain! Throughout the summer, Derby Arena will be hosting a series of bike mechanic courses so people can brush up on their bike maintenance skills. The workshops include checking a puncture, basic safety checks and small brake and gear adjustments. They are offered free of charge and all you’d need to do is bring your bike.

Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:

“Derby Arena have put together a great programme of cycling both in and outside of the facility. Initiatives like this can help people find the type of cycling that’s best for them in an informal environment. I hope many people take the opportunity to build their confidence on the saddle as well as enjoying some great social and family times over the summer. Cycling is a great pastime for all levels and ages and it is lovely to see something for all generations.

“I’m particularly happy to see bike maintenance workshops on the agenda, as it’s just another way to keep Derby’s cyclists safe wherever they choose to cycle.”

For those dedicated to track cycling at Derby Arena, they now have their own kit which is available to buy online. The kit has been designed by pro cycling kit manufacturer NoPinz and features everything from skinsuits to socks and jerseys as well as a choice of fits for both males and females.

Worn by TT and road racing cyclist Marcin Biaoblocki, NoPinz tailor their kit for speed and claim to have the fastest on the market. Their kit is designed to reduce drag and improve performance with comfort and style at the forefront too. 

Derby Arena’s kit features the gold and grey ‘ribbons’ which match the building’s iconic exterior. As well as kit suitable for track cycling, there are also kits suitable for triathlons and road cycling.

Phil Kilpatrick, Head Track Coach for Derby Arena said:

“So many cyclists come to the track at Derby Arena time and time again, treating it as their home for cycling. They feel like part of a club and the opportunity to have a branded kit will only further reinforce this.”

If all this cycling isn’t enough, Derby Arena are hosting two adrenaline-filled days of track cycling events. The GP Timing & National Madison and National Omnium come to Derby Arena on Sat 26 and Sun 27 October respectively.  With tickets starting from £8, the event is sure to get hearts of both the regional and national riders going as well as the crowd!