Cycling: Geneva has one of the fastest tracks

For their 8th edition, the 4 days of Geneva attract 100 runners who will compete in 74 events from Thursday to Sunday at the Queue d’Arve Sports Center. Far from the popularity of Belgium or France, they meet an ever-growing audience with 500 spectators expected this weekend. With VIP tables (support meals) which are full for Thursday and Friday evening.

But at the sporting level, their reputation has been established for several years. Many riders come to seek UCI qualifying points for the European and World Championships or the Olympic Games. “At the beginning, we had to pay the runners so that they could come,” recalls Loïc Hugentobler, president of the organizing committee.

The largest track race organized in Switzerland, the event has acquired its reputation thanks to a major asset: its track. It is short (166.66 meters long and 6.5 meters wide). And above all it is the most technical route in the world with that of Ghent, whose length is identical.

The steepest in Europe

“Its dimensions are much smaller than those of most velodromes. And it’s the steepest in Europe with a slope of 56%,” continues Loïc Hugentobler. Its surface makes it one of the fastest in the world. “We have ash, a fast wood, so we go faster than in Ghent. The topography of the track with tighter turns slows down the riders,” he adds. But these can reach very high speed peaks.

“If we exceed 75 km/h, we no longer have enough slope, we slide outwards. And we take 2G of pressure in the turns, on the saddle, on the hands. Not everyone is able to hold their line, continues Loïc Hugentobler. Knowing how to ride on a 166m x 6.5m track allows you to ride without problem on longer and wider tracks. If you know Geneva, you can ride on any velodrome in the world, you’ll never get lost.” At the tactical level, things also change. “There is an advantage to taking the lead earlier than on big velodromes. But not right away to avoid getting tired. Being in front, you have to ride at 100%. Behind, we have more aerodynamics thanks to the aspiration.”

In the name of the next generation

Note that it is the City of Geneva which is at the basis of this reduced format, in order to keep enough space for other rooms intended for other sporting disciplines (rinkhockey, badminton, handball).

This track is particularly suitable for young people who are just starting out. And this is the keystone of training in the canton. That’s good for this post-Olympic edition which gives pride of place to the next generation. “In Geneva, we have everything. From the age of 10, a junior can follow the entire course from the initiation days on Saturday afternoon “bike for track” to the professionals, including the cycling school (10-16 years old) , the training center (from 16 years old) with the support of a cantonal coach, 60% employed by the State, and local races. All this, with the support of sports-study classes.

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