Sunday, 14 July 2013

International Track Series - Adelaide 2013-07-13



Went to day 4 of a 5 day cycling track event called 'ITS Adelaide' held at Adelaide's Velodrome.  Been to the velodrome before (played volleyball with South Adelaide there), but never for a track cycling event.

The Adelaide "Super-Drome" Velodrome


The first time that I walked out into the centre, I was amazed at the steepness of the tracks not only on the corners, but also that on the straights.  How the riders stay on and not continuously slide off is definitely a skill.

The track. Doesn't really show how steep the end banking is though.
Went on day 4 of 5, where the events of the night were the Women's 500mm Time Trial, Men & Women's Omnuim - Flying Lap, Keirin (including the Repechares) & Elimination races.

The power and speed that these athletes show, as well as very skilled bike handling, just doesn't come across on TV.  I stood on the corner, taking some of the photos, and just after the riders had gone past, the unexpected breeze that they followed them was quite strong.

It was a very enjoyable night, especially seeing some elite cyclists like (Oylmpicians, World Champions etc.) Anna Mears of Australia, Wai Lee of Hong Kong and Kenny de Ketele of Belgium & Ethan Mitchell of New Zealand to name a few compete.

500mm Time Trial, Anna Mears with her "Race Face"
Anna Mears about to set off
New Zealand cyclist for Women's 500m TT
Olympic medalist Wai Lee of Hong Kong getting focused
Wai Lee setting off
Anna Mears reaction of Wai Lee beating her with a 33.888 for the 500m TT
Men's Omnium Keirin race coming around the final corner
Ethan Mitchell of NZ in the Men's Omnium Keirin race
Lining up of for the Women's Omnium Keirin race (Anna Mears second from right)
Anna Mears (left) and Stephanie Morton (right) chasing the derney (motorbike pacer)
Glad the riders don't know that he's asleep!
Riders following the derny
The next heat of the Women's Omnium Keirin waiting for the derney to come around
Off they go

Lining up for the Women's Omnium Points Race
The race is on!
Successful lunge for the line to get max points by Isabella King (Aus) infront of Nielsen (NZ) and Diao (HKG)
King leading the pack, keeping careful watch
Jamie Nielsen (NZ) on her successfull attack in lapping the field
Watching and waiting
Getting ready for the Men's Omnium Points Race
Pushing off
Powering for the line
Kenny de Ketele of Belguim (left)
Kenny de Ketele of Belguim collecting his thoughts
Ready for the Men's Omnium Elimination Race to start
Push off start
Coming to the line, if your last, your eliminated
Coming around the last corner
The field is getting smaller one by one
Still getting smaller till there is only two
Anna Mears getting ready for the Women's Keirin 2nd round
Anna Mears "race face"
Following the Derney into the first corner...
and out
New Zealand cyclists spinning
Getting close and everone is looking over thier shoulder
Powering for the finish line
Catching the derny
Follow the leader
Anna Mears
Goodnight
from Adelaide Velodrome


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