The Vekta Edge: What it takes to succeed in track cycling with Cameron Meyer

As a former world-class track and road cyclist, Cameron Meyer understands the nuances of peak performance. Now, as the Women's Endurance Coach for British Cycling, he leverages his experience to build champions in endurance track cycling. In this interview, Meyer shares insights into his transition from athlete to coach, the unique demands of track cycling, and the advanced strategies that shape Olympic-level training.

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Transitioning from athlete to coach

For Meyer, the transition from elite cyclist to coach came with a steep learning curve. "I made the move from professional athlete to coach quite quickly," he shares. Just four weeks into his role, Meyer found himself at the UCI Track World Championships, responsible for preparing riders and managing staff. Despite the challenge, Meyer values this immersion, describing it as "a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my knowledge and career."

At British Cycling, Meyer focuses on the Women's Endurance Program, working with senior riders and developing younger athletes. “My week to week job involves training riders, getting them ready for major track events, and providing guidance to younger squads,” he explains. His experience in high-stakes events like the Madison and Points Race is an invaluable resource across the team, shaping the training framework for Olympic champions.

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The Unique Demands of Track Cycling vs. Road Cycling

While endurance training principles cross over between track and road cycling, track cycling presents unique demands. Track cyclists need to produce high power at speed, racing on fixed-gear bikes in enclosed velodromes, requiring technical precision, strength, and cadence. Meyer explains, “It’s not just about power; it’s how that power is applied in track-specific conditions: high cadence, RPMs and in controlled environments.”

Track cyclists often have a stronger emphasis on anaerobic capacity, essential for sprints and shorter intervals. Unlike road cyclists who may prioritize power-to-weight ratios in mountain climbs, track cyclists can focus on absolute power and torque with weight being less critical. Meyer emphasises the importance of sprint power, noting, “We’re not looking for sustained power over long durations, but instead for explosive power over three- to five-minute intervals, especially in bunch races.”

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Tailoring Training for Different Track Events

The diversity of track events requires specialised training strategies. A team pursuit, for instance, demands sustained high-power output from the start, with a powerful acceleration over the first minute. Meyer highlights the importance of this initial effort: “The first minute is crucial; can you get that big gear off the line and sustain a high power over four minutes without dropping off?”

In contrast, bunch events like the Madison or Points Race require repeatability. Being able to execute multiple sprints at high power throughout the race. “We focus on training riders to go over and under their threshold,” Meyer says, “mimicking the frequent accelerations and sprints that define these races.” This approach enhances riders' ability to repeatedly reach peak performance levels.

Cameron Meyer recently helped Great Britain match their best ever medal haul at the 2024 UCI Track World Championships. Watch his interview here.

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Recovery as Part of the Training Plan

Endurance track cycling often involves back-to-back events, where recovery becomes a performance factor. To prepare for this, Meyer’s riders undergo conditioning similar to that of road cyclists, including sub-threshold training, altitude camps, and structured recovery protocols.

Nutrition, cooling, and massage are crucial to recovery, allowing athletes to reset between efforts. Meyer believes nutrition has revolutionised track cycling performances, explaining, “If you don’t get your fueling right, you won’t sustain effort at a high level.” From cooling protocols to carefully timed physio sessions, British Cycling provides comprehensive support to ensure that riders are ready to perform across multi-day events.

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Metrics and Data in Elite Training

Data analysis is fundamental in track cycling, with Meyer relying heavily on metrics like power output, heart rate, and cadence. While power remains a cornerstone measurement, cadence plays a unique role in the track environment. Cadence and torque data help Meyer and his team fine-tune gear choices and predict performance limits. “Unlike on the road, where cadence may be less critical, track cycling requires close monitoring to ensure optimal gearing and torque application,” he says.

Heart rate also provides insight into athletes’ readiness, helping coaches adjust training loads. Meyer elaborates, “If a rider’s heart rate is suppressed and their cadence drops, it’s a sign they may need rest or adjusted training. We can’t push high intensities without a responsive heart rate.”

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The Crucial Role of Aerodynamics in Track Cycling

Aerodynamics are paramount in track cycling, where riders compete in controlled velodrome conditions. British Cycling utilises advanced technology, including CdA (coefficient of aerodynamic drag) data, to optimise rider positions. With a network of over 30 cameras in the velodrome, Meyer and his team monitor CdA in real time, adjusting riding positions based on precise aerodynamic data.

“Any slight position change can impact CdA and race speed, so it’s a key part of our strategy,” Meyer says. Regular monitoring allows the team to adapt to each rider’s biomechanics and optimise their positioning for time-based events. Meyer acknowledges that aerodynamics is an evolving field and that his team continually integrates new tools to maintain a competitive edge.

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The Road to Olympic Success

For Cameron Meyer, the path to world-class performance in track cycling is both complex and rewarding. From initial bursts of power to the meticulous control of CdA, every detail contributes to an athlete’s success. Meyer’s insights underscore the technical demands of endurance track cycling and the discipline required to achieve Olympic-level performance.

Whether he’s training riders for explosive starts in team pursuits or preparing athletes to endure multiple rounds of intense racing, Meyer’s experience as both an athlete and a coach shines through. At British Cycling, he’s not only building endurance champions but also setting new standards for what it means to compete and win on the track.

Did you miss our last instalment of the Vekta Edge with UAE Performance Coordinator, Jeroen Swart on durability. Have a read of the article here.