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The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London, England
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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.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London
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 cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
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.

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The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
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.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
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 cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
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!

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The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Final sprint, The Velodrome

Cyclists race for the finish line at the Herne Hill Velodrome.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Crowd scene

There's two open stands next to the covered grandstand. Here's a picture of the morning crowd.

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The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Around the bank

A lone cyclist takes the bend at the Velodrome.

Chilling out, Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Chilling out

Lots of people had made a day of it, bringing along chairs, picnic equipment, food and, of course, beers.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
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!).

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Racing for the finish line

The finish line is right in front of the grandstand.

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Looking out from the grandstand, The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Looking out from the grandstand, The Velodrome

A lone figure stands up to get a better view.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Practice run

A cyclist enjoys a practice run around the banked track.

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The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Herne Hill sign

I liked this concrete sign at the far end of the velodrome.

The Velodrome cycle stadium, Herne Hill Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24, England
Around the bend

A long line of cyclists take the bend into the home straight.

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