Good Friday at the Herne Hill Velodrome, south London
Report by urban75 editor, March 2005
One of London's hidden gems, the Velodrome at Herne Hill has been used by cyclists for over a century.
Crowd shot, The Velodrome, Herne Hill
I arrived early for the traditional Good Friday cycle meet at the Velodrome, and there was already a fair size crowd building up.
Timekeeper, The Velodrome
There was a diverse mix of people at the event - old fellas discussing the minutia of gear ratios, whippet-fit cyclists in tight lycra, beer-bellied drinkers in straining lycra, hipsters, families, young kids and anorak-toting cycle spods.
200m sprint riders
There were three races in the morning, the curiously entitled Neovite White Hope Sprint, the Gem Hygiene International Sprint and the Adept 500m handicap.
On the march!
I kind of assumed that being an event based around cycling, there'd only be healthy food available. I was wrong. Look at the size of that pan frying onions!
Grandstand, The Velodrome
Built in 1891 Herne Hill Velodrome is one of the few remaining purpose built Victorian sports stadiums in London.
Track cycle racing was taking place twenty years the before the surrounding houses were developed in Herne Hill!
Final sprint, The Velodrome
Cyclists race for the finish line at the Herne Hill Velodrome.
Crowd scene
There's two open stands next to the covered grandstand. Here's a picture of the morning crowd.
Around the bank
A lone cyclist takes the bend at the Velodrome.
Chilling out
Lots of people had made a day of it, bringing along chairs, picnic equipment, food and, of course, beers.
St John's Ambulance crew
The St John's Ambulance crew were in attendance - I grabbed this snap as they were mid-snack (note the guy on the left's feeble attempt to hide his crisp packet!).
Racing for the finish line
The finish line is right in front of the grandstand.
Looking out from the grandstand, The Velodrome
A lone figure stands up to get a better view.
Practice run
A cyclist enjoys a practice run around the banked track.
Herne Hill sign
I liked this concrete sign at the far end of the velodrome.
Around the bend
A long line of cyclists take the bend into the home straight.
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Velodrome photos
