Once riders have learned basic track cycling skills on the beginners sessions, the next step is our Saturday morning 9-12 intermediate session. This and the advanced sessions are Club sessions and in order to take part in these you need to join and be a first claim member of ESV Manchester. If you are a British Cycling member you will need to get your licence amended to show ESV Manchester as your first claim club.

The Saturday session runs from 9am to 12am; it aims to develop a rider’s track cycling ability, including the skills and confidence needed to race competitively and safely. Progression through the Saturday sessions leads to full NCC Track Accreditiation, enabling youth riders to take part in track racing leagues, such as the Monday Night Track League and other activities at the National Cycling Centre. These sessions generally involve practiing various drills and techniques such as changing, riding and changing in pairs, manoeuvring (‘Lumps & Bumps’), taking half-laps both solo and team-pursuit style and getting used to riding in bunches. There is also a chance for some racing, generally points, scratch and elimination races.

While the emphasis is on developing track cycling skills, riders must also have an appropriate level of physical fitness. Regular participation in the sessions will help develop this but we advise riders to take part in regular cycling activity away from the track in order to build fitness to start racing. While we do not provide individual coaching our club coaches are always happy to advise riders and parents on appropriate training.

You’ll need to get an ESV Jersey or skinsuit. These are generally ordered in batches twice a year, the supplier is Impsport located here- https://www.yourclubshop.co.uk/clubs/cycling-clubs/esv-manchester.html – use code ESVM1850 to see the ESV kit. It’s always worth asking us if we have any kit to buy in our club room, you could also post on our Facebook group to see if anyone has any kit that has been grown out of.

You’ll also need to look in to getting your own track bike – it’s possible the club may have one to lend out but you’ll likely need to buy one either from a club member or Ebay / Facebook marketplace.

If you want to spend more time on the track there are several sessions you can attend run by the National Cycling Centre, all you need is a Better account and some level of accreditation. There is Level 1 which will be easy for you to pass after one or two Intermediate sessions, with Level 1 you can attend the Regular Riders sessions, this gives you a decent amount of track time with coaches on hand if you need any assistance.

Please note that the maximum gear allowed on our Saturday session is 81″ (6.45m or Youth B).