The Madison

1. The Madison Des Dickie

2. Goals/Disclaimers/Terminology Section 1: Pre-Exchange Considerations Section 2: Exchange Technique Part I: Grab & Grip Part II: Sling General Information Part III: Short Sling Part IV: Extended Arm Sling Alternate Technique: pushing the hip Part V: Time-Trial-Start Sling Part VI: Post-Sling Section 3: Fundamentals of the Exchange Section 4: Race Dynamics of the Madison Section 5: Summary Overview A demonstration of the ambiance and show that is the European six day scene. Dortmund 6-Day 2007 C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/6 Day Ambiance Video provided by Guy East

3. Goal of the Presentation • To provide American endurance track cyclists with the most complete cognitive view of the Madison available to date. • To increase American riders’ and coaches’ knowledge, understanding, and skill involved with properly performing an exchange and racing a Madison. • To indirectly raise the level of American track cycling by preventing technical and tactical deficiencies from diluting fitness capabilities.

4. Safety Disclaimer • The Madison is a difficult race that can be confusing to observers as well as the racers. The sling involved in the exchange of the riders on a team is inherently dangerous. Riders entering bike races of any kind, including Madisons, do so at their own risk. Coaches must teach this technique at their own risk. • It is the responsibility of the rider and coach to know the rules of the event. (USAC, UCI, or six day) Rules will not be discussed extensively here because that topic is outside the scope of this discussion.

5. Information Disclaimer • This presentation is written with the expectation that the audience has at least a rudimentary knowledge of the event. • The rider should be aware that the intricacy of this race is very high, details are multiple and varied, and thus, understanding requires time, discussion, practice, mistakes, consideration, corrections, etc. It is a long process that must be pursued diligently. • The author is fully aware that many of the topics discussed are debatable, dependent on rider/coach style, and dependent upon variables involved in any given race scenario. As much as is possible, the gray area of the topic has been omitted. Acceptance or Rejection of the material for the value it provides is the reader’s choice.

6. Life in the Madison is ABOUT THE TEAM! The Madison is a team event, and as such, each rider must ride for the team. No rider should attempt to try to show how strong or good he is because the team will suffer. Riders need to be able to read the race and make adjustments to their riding based on the situation.

7. Terminology • An EXCHANGE is when the two riders of a team meet, grab hands to exchange momentum, and switch places in the race (racing vs relief). • when determining the speed of an exchange, one must consider only the time that the riders are in contact (i.e. grab to release). • the time from when the relief rider descends in preparation for the exchange is not part of the actual exchange, though it is important when considering the demands of the race, the Racing:Relief Ratio, and other issues.

8. Terminology • RACING:RELIEF TIME RATIO (R:RR) • The time spent racing or in relief will depend on the length of the track, rider skill, and other variables, but in general the following are true: • riders race for approximately 400-600 meters at a time • riders are in relief for approximately 200-400m • the ratio of time spent in each role during the race is about 30:30 seconds • The ratio should be evenly split between the riders, on average, though alterations to this ratio can occur and can dramatically impact the race in either positive or negative ways depending on how it is manipulated and why. For example: • negative: Due to poor skill, Rider A’s ratio for the entire race was 45:30, Rider B’s ratio was 30:45 … Rider A would be in danger of cracking when the race is on … and therefore the team could suffer. • positive: Coming into a sprint, Rider A rides faster in relief to make the exchange occur with exactly 1 lap to go to points. For this short period of time, it would mean that Rider B will ride extra time in the race, having to hold the team’s position, in order to gain the advantage of having his teammate in the race “fresh” with a reasonable distance to the points.

9. Terminology • R:RR (cont) • As stated, generally, the ratio should be about 30:30 seconds. • Thinking physiologically, during periods of time during the race when “the race is on” the rider in the race will be going at “supra-maximal” intensity of effort … at that intensity, 30 seconds is a sustainable amount of time. • trying to make the ratio 45:45 is not realistic for most people at a “supra-maximal” intensity • trying to make the ratio 15:15 is not realistic because the relief rider cannot go that slow • Still thinking physiologically, only a few of these periods performed in close succession is reasonable before a rider “blows up” … the number that can be stacked will depend on rider ability. • The number that will be required in succession will depend on a number of variables including: race situations, the athletes involved, and those riders’ motivation to try to crack opponents.

10. Terminology Clarification • A TRANSITION is when a rider moves from the front of the field to a position in the draft (as in the team pursuit or pacelines). C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Madison Transition Example Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

11. Terminology Clarification • PULL: the action of one moving something towards him/herself • in the Madison this is the act of the relief rider pulling against the racing rider to gain momentum to enter the race (it actually requires a pull and then a push) • PUSH: the action of one moving something away from him/herself • in the Madison this is the act of the racing rider pushing his partner into the race (this may actually require a pull and then a push)

12. Pre-Exchange Considerations SECTION 1

13. Team Meeting • It is the Relief Rider’s Responsibility to attend to the meeting of the team (R:RR). Considerations to discuss: • how fast to roll on relief • timing the meeting • timing the descent from relief to meet the racing rider • determination of the location (height) of the meeting • minimizing the speed difference as appropriate to maximize exchange speed and efficiency.

14. Weight Distribution • In preparation for the exchange riders must distribute their weight on the bike to prepare for the force of the exchange. • Racing Rider: must put his weight forward because when he grabs his partner (who is riding slower) he will be pulled backward on the seat. • Relief Rider: must put his weight backward. • It is important to note that this adjustment to riding position is “in proportion” to the need of the race (e.g. is the difference between the riders’ speed big or small?) • Further, the adjustment is always limited because each rider must still have proper position on the bike in order to pedal efficiently and with power.

15. Weight Distribution Below are stick figure drawings attempting to demonstrate the desirable weight distribution and body positions for an exchange at maximum speed. With all stick figure diagrams, the heavy lines are in close perspective and thin lines are in distant perspective. Thus, the reader should imagine that they are standing on the infield and the dark lines are the left arm/leg and whatever is easily seen. The thin line would be the right arm and that which could be obscured by the body, other riders, etc. Grab Catch Relief Rider 1 2 Relief Rider Racing Rider Racing Rider

16. Weight Distribution Risi & Marvulli – Gent 6-Day 2007 Relief Rider body low and back on saddle Racing Rider forward lean and forward on saddle Relief Rider body low and forward Racing Rider upright body 1 2 Photos from video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

17. 1. How Fast to Roll on Relief • When a rider is on relief he is doing a form of mathletics (similar to algebra, but with fewer integers). He must consider the following variables (and possibly a few more): • how slow can he go without slipping off the track? • how tired is he? • how tired does he think or know his partner is? • what lap? • how far to sprint points? … how late in race? … when to time the meeting? … etc • where is his partner? • chasing? … sitting on a wheel? … what position? …etc • what is going on in the race? • is it on? … is it idling? … etc • what is the next team goal? • bridge into a break? … set up for sprint? … survive? … pull back a break considered dangerous to the team? … counter attack to create a break? … etc • who is around him vs who is around his partner … and what order is everyone in? • the relief order should be the same as the race order for teams with riders in close proximity to one another in both locations • what are other teams trying to do or set up? • what teams are of poor ability, and so to avoid, and where are they? • what teams are good, and so to get close to?

18. How Fast to Roll on Relief The Situation: A group of 3 are taking a lap (Lazar/Kankovsky, Hester/Roberts, and Wiggins/Cavendish … in order at start of clip). Team Hester makes a good exchange that keeps the teams together. Teams Lazar and Wiggins exchange out of order in turn 1 with Team Lazar making the exchange first (a situation that opens a large gap). After the exchange Kankovsky stays low on the track rolling with some speed, but Wiggins goes immediately to the rail and rolls slowly to allow a gap between him and the other group in the break. In the next exchange, it is Team Wiggins that exchanges first because of the adjustment Wiggins made. On a side note, when the 2nd team exchanges 2nd a gap is created that still exists at the next exchange (made worse by a slow exchange), so multiple riders in a 3 man break were working supramaximally during this attempt to lap the field. This is bad execution. Gent 6-Day 2007 C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Speed of Relief Roll - Different Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

19. How Fast to Roll on Relief Gent 6-Day 2007 Relief riders should not allow traffic to get in the way of them making their exchange. Being available to meet their partner is only one variable when determining how fast to roll. Riders need to constantly be calculating the needs of the team to determine how fast to roll on relief. Bartko accelerates around a slower rolling rider to be sure he is available to meet his partner. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Rolling Fast on Relief The three riders grouped at the bottom of the track make sure they don’t get bunched up and find themselves in traffic when trying to meet their partners. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Relief Rolling Speed Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

20. 2. Timing the Meeting • One important consideration involved in the calculation of how fast to roll on relief is “when do we want to meet?”, and this is closely related to “how long can/should I leave my partner in the race?”. • Timing the meeting is the consideration of the R:RR discussed in a previous slide. • Remember that the R:RR can be adjusted based on the situation of the race and the need of the team, but on average the riders need to share the load.

21. Timing the Meeting: example calculation • Example background: • a team composed of riders who have particular strengths as a “sprinter” and an “endurance” rider, respectively. 200m track. • ideally, the exchange order will be such that the sprinter will go for points and the enduro will get/hold position in the final laps before the sprint • assume that, at their best, the riders are capable of performing exchanges every 2.5 laps of racing (500m) and slightly more than 1 lap of relief (250m) • Calculating: • if the team wants to maximize their effort for points, the sprinter will need to time the last exchange (to enter the race from relief) with 1 lap to go to points (give or take a little), and the preliminary exchanges at 6 laps to go, 11 to go. • The enduro will need to time the exchanges for laps 3.5 to go, 8.5 to go, and 13.5 to go. • Adjusting: • IF the order is wrong, an adjustment will need to be made. • IF the exchanges are not made on the laps listed above (e.g. 2, 4.5, 7, 9.5, 12, 14.5) then the relief riders will have to adjust their speeds so that the exchanges start to resemble more appropriate “landmarks”. [adjusting for 1 lap difference can be made easily in a few laps or 2 exchanges] • IF adjustments are required, both riders will need to identify this and work together to create the proper situation for themselves. • the adjustments must be appropriate to the racing situation • IF the race is on when a discrepancy is identified, the easier adjustments are to make small alterations over a few exchanges, rather than to force one of the riders to make a double pull • IF the race is idling when a discrepancy is identified, or if the racing rider is comfortably in the draft, then it may not be a big deal to take a double pull

22. 3. Timing the Descent • Coming out of relief at the right time is a skill that must be practiced at different speeds. • if the relief rider comes down track too early he will ride away from his partner • this is only a big deal if the racing rider is fading, but if it is a problem, it is a BIG problem • if the rider comes down too late the exchange will be missed and he’ll have to use his own power to get to speed and back to his partner. • Once the relief rider reaches the height he feels is appropriate for the exchange, he should stop his descent, maintain height, manage his speed appropriately in preparation for the exchange, and look for his partner until the exchange occurs … if he is in position a little early

23. The Descent • The descent must occur in a manner that is predictable for all athletes on the track and also allows the team to meet with minimal difficulty. The descent can be rapid or floating, as is necessary for the scenario, but it should not change unexpectedly. Floating: Kankovsky in orange Rapid: Beikirch in pink Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Floating Descent - Kankovsky C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Rapid Descent

24. Timing the Descent • It is the relief rider’s responsibility to close 90% of the lateral distance to the racing rider before the exchange can be made • he must try to be within 1 or 2 meters of his partner • It is the racing rider’s responsibility to close the final gap (<1-2 meter) if required … it won’t always be required. • Note this in the Keisse/Bartko video in a few slides.

25. Timing the Descent Gent 6-Day 2007 Note how Risi closes the last lateral meter when Marvulli is not quite low enough for the racing position. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Meeting Location – Closing the Last 10 Percent Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

26. 4. Location of the Meeting (Height) • While descending the relief rider must continuously be conscious of a few variables • the variables determining how fast to roll and the timing of the descent are no longer variable … they are past … the exchange is at hand! • the new variables include: • if his partner is in front positions of the group (or solo) and on the black, the exchange will occur at or very slightly above the red line. • if his partner is in the middle of the group, it is likely that the exchange will occur between the red and blue. • if his partner is in the back, the exchange may occur as high as the rail and as low as the red line. • if there is a lot of traffic, the exchange will have to be higher up the banking • when possible, it is good advice to be either: alone on relief (as much as possible), or near the riders you are “watching”

27. Location of the Meeting Top Picture: (Gent Amateur 6-Day 2007; 10 teams at this point in the event) Even in a small field, the riders at the back must exchange high on the track and deal with lots of traffic in front (as seen by the other riders who are also high on the track). Bottom Picture: (Gent Pro 6-Day 2007; 15 teams) Even though it is a blurry picture, it can be seen that a team with bad position is exchanging at the blue line, but a team further up in the field is exchanging at the red. Being in bad position is a problem because these riders must work harder than their opponents … even though their opponents might be on the front, pulling the field more often. Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

28. Location of the Meeting Manchester World Cup 2007; Madison Final: The New Zealand team is in first position and making their exchange at the black line. However, even the team in 7th position must exchange at the blue. Those behind will have real issues with the traffic and the height of their exchange. Photo of video provided by Robyn Mason (USOC) for USAC.

29. Location of the Meeting: an easy example Slippens & Stam Gent 6-Day 2007 The Situation: Slippens and Stam are taking a lap on the field. They will be trying to maximize momentum transfer and optimize R:RR while also performing the required “mathletics” regarding how fast to roll, where to make the exchange, creating the appropriate speed differential, etc. Note that the relief rider chooses a trajectory of descent to be in a location in close proximity to where his partner will race by. In this situation, the relief rider allows the racing rider to use his energy to lap the field by closing the entire distance and allowing the exchange to occur as low on the track as possible. Also, there is no hesitation in the pedaling of the racing rider as he enters or makes the exchange, which maximizes the efficiency of the momentum transfer. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Calculating Relief Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

30. Location of the Meeting (Height) • Because there is so much occurring during the descent the relief rider’s attention must be “on a swivel”. • he must look back to see his partner and the movement of the paceline affecting his partner (and therefore the location of the meeting) • thus, it is not only sprinters who must be comfortable riding forward while looking backward • he must look forward in order to avoid obstacles, like other relief riders moving to make an exchange, racing riders pulling off the front and/or trying to get back into the paceline, the pitch of the turn, etc

31. Location of the Meeting: a difficult example Keisse & Bartko Gent 6-Day 2007 The Situation: Bartko is racing and Keisse is coming in from elief. Bartko is transitioning off the front of the field, so his awareness is split between making the exchange and re-entering the field at a desirable position. Keisse must be aware of his partner to choose the right height for the exchange, while also taking care not to run into the other relief rider in front of him. Note that Keisse chooses a location he feels is appropriate and Bartko completes the final distance. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Difficult Exchange – Location & Awareness Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.

32. 5. The Speed Differential • During the descent, the relief rider must use his effort as well as the dynamics of the track to increase his speed in preparation for the exchange. • The difference in speed between the two riders of a team during an exchange is a matter of balance. • if the difference is too large, there is risk of a rider being pulled off the bike, a wheel slip that scrubs speed, or some other unfortunate event. • if the difference is too small then the relief rider will be riding away from his partner, which leads to a problem with the R:RR. • further, if the speed difference is too small riders will find it difficult to push/pull to exchange momentum • The lesser of the two evils in finding the balance is to have too small of a speed difference because of safety and an inherent inefficiency in the exchange of momentum between two riders traveling at dramatically different speeds.

33. The Speed Differential • Why a small speed differential is the lesser of two evils. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU40d5YVmYo&NR=1

34. Final Sling Preparation Actions • The final detail for each rider in preparation for the sling is hand placement. • The Relief Rider: • keeps his right hand in the drop to be prepared to steer and race, provide an aerodynamic body, and to provide a line of pull that allows for use of the big muscles of the back • while descending, offers his left hand down and away from his body easily visible and accessible to his partner • his hand should be open (not clenched in a fist) and wrist flexed and supinated slightly to accept the grab (The Hook Grip to be discussed shortly) • The Racing Rider: • places his left hand onto the top of his handle bar to steer the bike, minimize the jolt to his steering from grabbing his partner, and allows for an upright body position • reaches out and makes the grab

35. Exchange Technique SECTION 2

36. Exchange Technique • Exchange Technique will be presented in an order that resembles the chronological passing of events during the race (as much as possible). • Part I: The Grab and The Grip • Part II: Momentum Transfer • The short sling • Alternate Sling Technique • Pushing the hip • Time-Trial-Sling Start • Part III: Post-Sling events

37. Part I: Grab & Grip

38. The Grab • The Grab is the effort that the racing rider must make to clasp his partner’s hand and create the connection through which the momentum exchange will be possible. • this may require that he move uptrack to be close enough to take his teammate’s hand • this will always require that he assertively take control of his partner’s hand to ensure a solid grip and connection • There are two goals for the grab • the riders must make a solid connection to transfer as much momentum as possible • it is very important that the racing rider brings the relief rider’s hand to his hip • Because moving the hand to the hip is a lateral movement, riders must be sufficiently close to avoid pulling one another off of the bike.

39. The Grip • The grip is part of the grab, but is a consideration made independent of the chronological order of the exchange. • As a definition, the grip will be considered to be the hand configuration and placement that allows a solid connection between the two riders as they attempt to transfer momentum. • The grip is important because if the riders’ hands slip or don’t make a solid connection then the transfer of momentum will be inefficient

40. The Grip • The Hook • the hand position for this grip resembles that of a fireman’s grip • this grip provides a large margin for error (in the form of a large “landing pad”) • fingers don’t interlock, and the riders can use their arms to guide each other to their hands • Because circumstances of racing are not always “text book”, riders must get whatever grip is available. • There are other grip options that will not be taught here.

41. The grip being taught resembles the grip for a fireman’s carry. This consists of the thumbs of each hand next to its own palm. This hand shape provides a “ledge” on the relief rider’s hand for the fingers of the racing rider to grab. The racing rider has quick access to the relief rider’s hand because fingers/thumbs don’t have to be interlocked. Finally, the relief rider can grab the meat of the palm of the racing rider to further enforce the strength of the grip. The Hook Grip Relief rider hand orientation prior to grab. Note the ledge formed by the thumb. The grip can be formed and broken quickly and both riders can grip.

42. Part II: SlingGeneral Information

43. Momentum Transfer Information • Four methods of momentum transfer will be taught: short sling, alternate sling (extended arm), time-trial-start sling, and push on the hip • Momentum change is partially dependent upon the speed differential, but the speed differential will be a large factor in which method will be used • A very important factor for proper momentum change is the power that can be generated from the arms, chest/back, and other muscles of the riders’ torsos • If done properly, the acceleration of the relief rider into the race is dramatic! (if done poorly, it is sluggish and the lacking distance must be made up with the legs of the slung rider)

44. Sling Pre-requisites (as discussed) • The meeting: the racing rider must “go get” his partner to complete the distance left by the relief rider • the relief rider can only do 90% of the effort to meet his partner … the last bit is up to the racing rider; thus, during the exchange the racing rider’s attention must, at least partly, be on his partner • The grab: the relief rider will offer his hand down and away from the body; the racing rider must take the hand with the proper authority to ensure a solid connection

45. Which Method to Use • The method to use for momentum transfer is at the discretion of the racing rider. • The decision depends primarily upon speed difference, but rider preference will play a role as well: • if a very large speed difference exists, the sling should not be attempted because the riders could be pulled from the bike(s) • if a large speed difference exists, the extended arm sling is desirable • if a small speed difference exists, the short sling is desirable • if almost no speed difference exists, it may be easiest for the racing rider to push his partner into the race from the hip • The Time-Trial-Start Sling requires a different situation than the other three methods. Because of this requirement, it will be discussed separately … even though it shares many components of the other sling methods.

46. Sling Commonalities • All discussions will assume that riders are performing the sling for maximum effect. • The three slings have multiple common components, though the components will develop differently depending on the sling. • Grab • Grip • Catch • Pull • Push • Pedaling through the Exchange

47. Force-Producing Components of Any Sling • The Catch: Before the racing rider can push his teammate, he must provide a solid base to “catch” his partner. • The Pull: The relief rider must time his pull to coincide with the arrival of the base resistance of his partner. • The Push: When the relief rider starts to pull against the base, the racing rider can begin to push his partner into the race.

48. Pedaling Through the Exchange • Another very important point to make is that the racing rider MUST pedal through the exchange. This is not a chronological consideration, and it is not dependent upon the situation or the method of momentum transfer employed. • The racing rider must pedal through the exchange in order to maximize momentum transfer, effort made during the pull/push, and to hold the wheel of the rider in front of him (if required). • The consideration when pedaling through the exchange is “how hard to pedal” … not “if” to pedal. • if the race is on, the racing rider will pedal with all of the power he was racing with • if the race is idling, the racing rider will pedal with only the force necessary to hold his position in the paceline

49. Part III: Short Sling

50. The Short Sling: preview Guy East and Austin Carroll practicing their short sling technique during a training session at the Eddy Merckx Velodrome in Gent 2007. C:/Cycling Video Footage/Madison/Short Sling x2 East&Carroll Video provided by Erly Beeuwsaert; USAC.