Keep track racing this Autumn and Winter
The outdoor track season may be nearly over, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop riding the track!
Through the autumn and winter there are lots of opportunities for young riders to continue developing their track skills at Lee Valley Velodrome in London. Whether you’re new to indoor track cycling or already racing regularly, there are sessions to help you progress – and an indoor youth racing league to put those skills into practice.
Here’s what’s available and which sessions might be right for you.
Track Development Centres – for experienced U14, U16 and Junior riders
If you’ve been racing regularly this summer and want to take your track riding to the next level, the British Cycling Track Development Centres are a great next step.
The sessions are open to riders from Youth B (U14) through to Junior age groups in 2026 and are aimed at riders who already have track racing experience. If you’ve been racing regularly at the Preston Park Wednesday night track league, for example, these sessions could be a good way to build on what you’ve learned.
Sessions include higher-level track skills, race tactics and race craft, and race-specific fitness. There may also be occasional workshops covering subjects such as training, nutrition and bike maintenance.
Development Centres can also provide a first step towards the British Cycling talent pathway, while supporting riders already involved in regional and national development programmes. Details of the Talent Pathway can be found HERE.
13th September: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #1 Events – British Cycling
4th October: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #2 Events – British Cycling
1st November: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #3 Events – British Cycling
29th November: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #4 Events – British Cycling
6th December: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #5 Events – British Cycling
17th January: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #6 Events – British Cycling
31st January: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #7 Events – British Cycling
21st February: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #8 Events – British Cycling
28th February: British Cycling Pathway Development Centre Track – Lee Valley #9 Events – British Cycling
Youth Track Clusters – a great place to start
Not ready for a Development Centre yet? The Lee Valley Youth Track Cluster sessions are a great introduction to indoor track cycling. They are aimed at Youth C (U12), Youth B (U14) and Youth A (U16) riders and are particularly useful for riders with little or no racing experience on the track or younger riders looking to develop their skills ready for Development Centres next year. The series is promoted by British Cycling Go-Ride Eastern and South-East Regions in conjunction with British Cycling Talent Development Team.
Don’t worry if riders have different levels of experience. Coaches split everyone into suitable groups and can move riders between groups as they progress. The Novice/Accreditation group helps riders develop the skills needed for indoor accreditation and acceptance into the London Youth Track League. The Intermediate/Development group introduces more advanced skills and racing formats, helping riders prepare for the Youth Track League and future Talent Development sessions.
3rd September: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session #1
10th September: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session # 2
17th September: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session # 3
22nd October: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session # 4
29th October: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session # 5
19th November: British Cycling Lee Valley | Youth Track Cluster Session # 6
London Youth Track League – put your skills into racing
Once you’re accredited, there’s the London Youth Track League (LYTL). The league provides indoor track racing for riders aged 10–18, usually running from November through to March with ten rounds of racing.
Lots of PPYCC riders have made the trip to Lee Valley for the Thursday evening league over the years. It’s a great opportunity to experience racing on the Olympic velodrome, try different track events and race against riders from clubs across London and the South East.
You need the appropriate indoor track accreditation before you can race, so the Youth Track Cluster sessions above can provide a route into the league.
More information is available from the London Youth Track League website: https://www.lytl.co.uk/
You don’t have to be aiming for the British Cycling talent pathway to take part in these activities. The sessions are simply a great way to become a better track rider, keep riding through the winter and experience one of the best velodromes in the country. If you’ve enjoyed racing at Preston Park this summer, why not give indoor track cycling a go this winter?