There are few more intimidating sights than that the super-steep banking of a velodrome for a track cycling newbie – with even Elinor Barker admitting to RCUK she was terrified when she first tried it.

But riding on the track can be an exhilarating experience – once you get used to constantly having to pedal – which marries speed with skill.

Most of the UK’s tracks are outdoors but with five indoor velodromes at Lee Valley, Manchester, Calshot, Glasgow and Newport there are plenty of opportunities to follow the tracks of the likes of Sir Chris Hoy.

More are springing up too, with British brand Hope planning to add one to their Barnoldswick Factory in the near future.

All five of the aforementioned velodromes offer taster sessions for beginners, with hire bikes available, while many clubs will also look to make use of their local facilities.