UCI Track Champions' League

[oldcrank]

Impressed with Aussie Nettie Edmondson...pretty consistent riding over the first two carnivals: two 4ths, one 5th and one 6th even though I believe she has already announced her retirement. And Kell O'Brien looked pretty good in Lithuania after a so-so evening in Mallorca.

 

[fmk_RoI]

Final round in Tel Aviv cancelled, series to end in London:

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Discovery Sports Events today announce that the final round of the inaugural UCI Track Champions League, scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv (Israel) on 11 December, has been cancelled.

This decision follows new health restrictions introduced in Israel, notably the closure of the country’s borders, due to the appearance and spread of a new coronavirus variant, known as Omicron. Two rounds of the 2021 UCI Track Champions League have already taken place: in Mallorca (Spain) on 6 November and in Panevėžys (Lithuania) on 27 November. A round that had been scheduled to take place in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (France) on 20 November, was cancelled because the velodrome is being used as an essential community Covid-19 vaccination centre until the end of the year.

 

[Armchair cyclist]

So year 2 of this event has finished without any mention here at all. I assume there are some forums where track fans share their thoughts, but in terms of expanding interest in the indoor version of the sport those of us here probably ought to be the easiest audience to win over (we have the right subscriptions, we have an interest in cycling), but judging by the amount of discussion that has arisen, it has failed spectacularly.

Is there any evidence of this razzamatazz and self proclaimed gathering of the greats and exciting new format having made any impression on those who did not already? Has it met any of its goals? Will there be a third season?

 

[oldcrank]

Lance Armstrong didn't ride the track, so most of those that use this site don't rate track cycling except for an occasional mention of Major Taylor. Any attempt at serious discussions are usually hijacked as was the case recently with the pursuit at the Worlds and previously with the omnium, the keirin, and the team sprint at the Olympics.

Lance actually did attempt to ride the Los Angeles track once, even inviting everyone via Twitter to come down and watch. Apparently he was considering an hour attempt (this was back when Taylor Phinney was making a name for himself on the track and Lance was probably jealous) as he brought along a full camera and sound crew.

But after a few laps where he was afraid to get off the blue band, security guards went around and confiscated everyone's phones and cameras.

After a few more laps and several bike changes and position adjustments Lance left without ever doing a fast lap or getting above the sprinters lane.

 

[KZD]

So year 2 of this event has finished without any mention here at all. I assume there are some forums where track fans share their thoughts, but in terms of expanding interest in the indoor version of the sport those of us here probably ought to be the easiest audience to win over (we have the right subscriptions, we have an interest in cycling), but judging by the amount of discussion that has arisen, it has failed spectacularly.

Is there any evidence of this razzamatazz and self proclaimed gathering of the greats and exciting new format having made any impression on those who did not already? Has it met any of its goals? Will there be a third season?

I watched it and really enjoyed the fight between Lavreysen and Richardson, it was a great way to finish the event and hope that there will be more editions.

 

[JR1012]

Season 3 will start in 3 weeks. The german women riders Hinze, Friedrich and Grabosch will not particpate this year, because of the olympics next year.

 

[KZD]

Lavreysen doing the final 250 meters of the keirin race in little more than 9.6 seconds at an average of 74. 5km/h dropping everyone from his wheel one hour after winning the sprint race.

Even for his standards this is an insane performance.

 

[JR1012]

Lavreysen building up his pace for the olympics. If Richardson can't improve his form next year, I can't see anyone beating Lavreysen.

At the women side Adrews getting stronger and stronger. Nice to see that Pröpster takes her chance to show of what she is capable of.

 

[Black Betsy]

Cannot wait for my Digirit 'ring to arrive and install on my Black BetSSy Thunderdome, inspired by the man!
Obviously miniscule to the 70t greatness.

 

[JR1012]

Lavreysen building up his pace for the olympics. If Richardson can't improve his form next year, I can't see anyone beating Lavreysen.

At the women side Adrews getting stronger and stronger. Nice to see that Pröpster takes her chance to show of what she is capable of.

Richardson beating Lavreysen in the sprint final in the third round.