Two Questions From a New Racer

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1st:

Has anyone that races on the track experience pain in only one knee...if so, which one, and where...and is it possible that on the track each knee is stressed differently?

2nd:

This is a broad one...what sort of strategies exist in matched spints (200m) and please describe the pros cons...i'm especially curious about meet type races where you're racing many many times.

fixed

1st:

Has anyone that races on the track experience pain in only one knee...if so, which one, and where...and is it possible that on the track each knee is stressed differently?

2nd:

This is a broad one...what sort of strategies exist in matched spints (200m) and please describe the pros cons...i'm especially curious about meet type races where you're racing many many times.

fixed

Your knee problem (asuming you have one) may be caused by poor cleat positioning on one foot or your body not being used to toe straps if you use them. You might have your seat too far forward but I think that only matters after a long period of time. I'm no expert but I'd have a look at your cleats.

In match sprints there are too many different ways to ride them to write here and I'm not really wanting to give away any of my tricks. Basically you either take the front or the back. If you take the back you back them off to get a run at them. If you leave it too late to go you'll look like an idiot because you'll never get his wheel back and if you just missjudge it you've still got to get around him. If you take the front you've got to leave it as late as possible to go otherwise you just give them a leadout but if you leave it too late he'll jump you. All pretty general but you've just got to ride a few and you'll work out whats best for you from that. Personally I'd take the front and just keep looking for him to jump you and when he goes put him on the hip and smoke him. It's your call really, different riders have different strengths.

As far as your knee pain goes there are tons of possibilities and variables. I doubt any of them are specific to "track racing" but more likely to riding a fixed gear. The torque required to accelerate the bike from a lower speed is very high, the cadence at speed is higher than one normally rides on the road, the stimulation to the muscles and joints during deceleration is likely a new experience. Any of these factors could contribute. Like Rayner said, it's always important to look at position and ergonomics. Keep in mind that most track bikes have shorter cranks. They also have deeper drop handlebars putting your upper body lower and further forward thus putting more stress on the hamstring which can pull the knee out of alignment, particularly on a person with stiff muscels. Knee problems due to alignment in cycling are common to people who have stiff hammy's, tweaked backs and pelvis', other alignment issues, etc. A tweaked back or pelvis can tighten the hamstring on one leg and not the other easily creating pain and discomfort in one knee and not the other. I believe that riding a track bike can exacerbate these problems.

I know a little bit about this. It put me out of the action for many years until I starting listening to the PT's and Dr.'s and started stretching everyday.

No idea if your problem is related but it's just some food for thought.

Leif