The Rock Hill Velodrome in South Carolina is set to host the National Championship titles for Masters Track cyclists in the US from August 8-13, 2023. This outdoor, concrete velodrome has become a hub for top-quality riders, including Masters Track Champions Steve Lehman and Charles Gary Hoffman.
Hoffman, a competitive cyclist since college, has had a successful career in road and criterium racing. After reducing his participation in cycling due to injuries and family commitments, he returned to Masters road racing at the age of 35. Hoffman’s transition to sprint events on the velodrome required him to learn new techniques and train differently. His hard work paid off, as he has earned multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals across the 2021 and 2022 USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships.
Hoffman is also actively involved in promoting racing at the Rock Hill Velodrome. He co-founded Champion Promotions, which is organizing the 6-event Track Champions Race Series at the velodrome this summer. The series aims to provide short and exciting races for spectators, with a variety of sprint, keirin, scratch, elimination, and super sprint events. Hoffman encourages racers to take advantage of the 250-meter track at Rock Hill, as he believes it offers a different and more challenging racing experience compared to the standard 333-meter tracks.
Lehman, another Masters Track Champion, has won multiple national titles across road, criterium, and track events. He moved to Rock Hill when the velodrome opened, recognizing it as a world-class facility for training and competition. Lehman offers tips for racers accustomed to 333-meter tracks, suggesting a more aggressive line and shorter crank arm lengths when racing on a steeper 250-meter track. However, Lehman’s participation in this year’s Masters Track National Championships is uncertain due to his ongoing battle with bladder cancer. He remains hopeful and is working towards a full recovery.
Apart from being a racing venue, the Rock Hill Velodrome also attracts riders for training and endurance rides. Tim Nissen, a member of the Rock Hill Bicycle Club, became hooked on the velodrome’s vibe after volunteering during a collegiate track championship. He now regularly rides the publicly accessible velodrome for training, enjoying the freedom from traffic, stop signs, and hills.
As the Masters Track National Championships draw near, the Rock Hill Velodrome continues to be a gathering place for top Masters Track athletes like Gary Hoffman and Steve Lehman. These athletes showcase their skills and determination on the track, inspiring others and contributing to the vibrant cycling community in Rock Hill.
