GIVE LEGS DAY A FRESH SPIN
Lee Valley Velopark was as much a star of London 2012’s Olympics as the Team GB cyclists. Now it’s your turn. Head to Olympic Park, clip in, and get yourself on track
Close your eyes and you can still recollect the fevered atmosphere that powered Team GB to victory. Half a decade may have passed, but the sense of accomplishment and, crucially, of opportunity is palpable.
Our Olympic endeavours have made cycling a national pastime. At last count there were two million Brits saddling up on a daily basis. But what those tired of rainy roads may not realise is that the chance to don impossibly tight Lycra at this elite venue is open to the everyman.
“We start with an hour’s taster session for £40,” says track coach Jonny Bellis. “Nine out of 10 people through our doors have never used this type of bike before, or even ridden on a circuit, so it’s a case of going through the basics first.” Once you’re at ease on a fixed-gear bike (stop pedalling and you’ll faceplant) there are four accreditation stages available under the tutelage of the UK’S best coaches – handy if you have your sights on Tokyo 2020.
However, even with the intricacies of racing lines safely under your teardrop helmet, cycling still calls for high levels of fitness. “We also have studio sessions,” says Bellis. “There are videos you can follow and immerse yourself in on the static bike.” Whether you’re trying to overtake the sprinters on screen or keep up with the virtual peloton, it makes for a more interesting time in the saddle than suffering an hour of EDM at your gym’s spin class. Add to that the opportunity to trial the outdoor road and BMX tracks, and you also get a more exhilarating legs day than yet-more-squats.
Keep your eyes peeled for any famous alumni in the paddock, too. With regular visits from the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, a golden slice of world-beating advice could be one well-timed question away. Just don’t ask for a mid-lap selfie.