For football players, pre-season training usually means running laps and hitting the gym, but Shepparton Cycling Club is giving their local footy teams something different.
The regional Victorian club has been inviting footy teams from around the area to their velodrome for a unique training night that mixes a flying lap on the track with a boxing session.
Local football players take part in boxing sessions at the velodrome.
The idea was to bring different sporting clubs together and give athletes the chance to step outside their usual routines.
For many players, it’s their first time on a velodrome. Riding a track bike with no brakes and learning how to complete a flying lap quickly becomes a challenge that requires focus, teamwork and a willingness to try something new.
The track sessions are guided by club members, including Olympic Gold medallist Brett Lancaster, who helps introduce the athletes to track riding and talks them through the flying lap challenge.
Club President Brett Lancaster was on hand to help.
Several local football clubs have already taken part, including Katamatite, Shepparton Swans and Murchison.
While the session delivers a solid workout, the focus is just as much on connection and camaraderie. Players work together in a new environment, enjoy a bit of friendly competition and experience a sport many have never tried before.
For the club, it’s also a chance to strengthen ties within the local sporting community and introduce more people to the velodrome.
“We wanted to open the velodrome up to the wider sporting community and give other clubs the chance to experience something different,” club spokesperson Troy Riordan said.
“Mixing the flying lap with boxing has created a really unique session that challenges athletes both physically and mentally, but most importantly it’s a lot of fun and brings people together.”
The club hopes the initiative will continue to build a strong community atmosphere.
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