It is the rider's strength and technique, rather than the bicycle itself, that is tested. Track cyclists compete on a velodrome, an oval-shaped bicycle track with steep banks that slope as much as 50 degrees. They ride in excess of 40 miles an hour. On some tracks, you can really feel the track trying to throw you upward. And major safety hazard.
Cycling is one of the most dangerous Olympic sports.
Horrific crashes and spills are common. When we train, at first we ride behind a motorcycle to bring up our leg speed. Last year, I fell behind a motorcycle going 50 miles per hour. I busted a couple ribs, broke my collarbone and was very skinned up two weeks before the World Championships. I had to fight to get air in.