Team GB have once again proven their dominance on the world stage by securing an astonishing eight medals in track cycling at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This remarkable achievement has roots that trace back to Derby Arena, the heart of world-class cycling training in the UK.
Derby Arena has a state-of-the-art velodrome which has been integral to the success of several Team GB cyclists, including some of this year’s Olympic medallists.
With its world-class facilities and cutting-edge training programs, Derby Arena has become a beacon for both aspiring and elite cyclists aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Team GB’s track cyclists secured one Gold, three Silver and four Bronze medals at the Paris Games. Among the standout performances were Sophie Capewell and Ed Lowe, who have trained at Derby Arena. Ed used to be a regular on Derby Arena’s SQT (Structured Quality Training) sessions, now he’s an Olympic men's team sprint silver medallist. Sophie’s mum Debbie is a track cycling coach at Derby Arena, teaching her daughter when she was young, giving her the inspiration to go and win gold in the women's team sprint and achieve a new World Record in the process.
Cameron Meyer, women’s endurance podium coach for the Great Britain Cycling Team and nine-time World Champion:
Our preparation for the Paris Olympics using the Derby Velodrome was fantastic. It’s a world class facility and allowed our riders to train specifically, at the correct speeds for their events.
Dan Bigham, 2024 Olympic Silver medallist, 2022 World Champion, previous Hour Record holder and self-proclaimed ‘aero nerd’:
Having spent my formative years on the illustrious boards of the Derbados Superdrome, it was a highlight of my Olympic preparation to return back ‘home’. Seeing familiar faces and riding round my favourite track, just a whole lot faster than years gone by, was a big lift ahead of what will be the biggest race of my career. Thank you to everyone at Derby Arena for supporting us in this critical phase of preparation.
Josie Knight, 2024 Olympic Bronze Medallist, 2023 World Champion:
It was really fantastic to be able to use Derby Arena in our lead up to Paris. Having the full Velodrome to ourselves meant we didn't have to worry about timings and sharing with other squads, which allowed us to fully focus on our efforts and get the best out of ourselves!
Now, you too can follow in the footsteps of these Olympic heroes. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or a cycling enthusiast, Derby Arena offers the unique opportunity to train in the very same environment as these world-class competitors. From taster sessions for new riders to coached group sessions for the elite, Derby Arena caters to all levels of cyclists, helping you unlock your full potential.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:
Derby Arena has once again proven to be a cornerstone in the journey of our nation's top cycling talent. The world-class velodrome and exceptional training programs offered here have played an instrumental role in developing Olympic medallists like Sophie Capewell and Ed Lowe. Their incredible achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are a testament to the high-quality training environment that Derby Arena provides. We're immensely proud to support athletes of all levels in reaching their full potential, and we look forward to continuing our legacy of creating champions.
Never experienced being on the velodrome before? This summer is the perfect time to give it a go! We have taster sessions at Derby Arena to give yourself the feel for the sport and to see if it’s for you. Track cycling is for everyone, not just serious cyclists, and we have family track cycling sessions to bring everyone along for the ride.
Youth Track Taster Session (Ages 9-16)
Dates: 12 to 28 August, at various times
Price: £12 per person (includes all hire equipment plus 10% off a Stage 1 or 2 session)
Family Track Taster Session (One youth aged 9+ and one adult)
Dates: 9, 16, and 23 August, 4 – 5 pm
Price: £21 per person (includes all hire equipment plus 10% off a Stage 1 or 2 session)
Adult Track Taster Session (Ages 12+)
Dates: 7 to 31 August, at various times
Price: £15 per person (includes all hire equipment plus 10% off a Stage 1 or 2 session)
Experience the thrill of training in an Olympic-standard facility and start your journey toward excellence. Visit the Derby Arena website or call 01332 640011 to book your session. Don’t miss your chance to train where champions are made.