Track cycling is often described as the purest expression of speed on two wheels, and few athletes illustrate this better than Allyson Shanks. Competing on the velodrome removes many of the variables that define road cycling—there are no hills, no weather changes, no tactical pelotons stretching across kilometers. What remains is a controlled environment where power output and aerodynamics decide almost everything. Shanks’ rise in elite track cycling offers a clear window into how these two forces merge to create world-class performance.
At first glance, track cycling looks deceptively simple: ride as fast as possible around a smooth wooden oval. In reality, it is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in cycling. Athletes like Shanks must produce enormous power while maintaining an aerodynamic position that minimizes drag at speeds often exceeding 55 km/h. On a velodrome, air resistance accounts for the vast majority of the energy cost, which means even tiny changes in body position, helmet shape, or skin suit texture can determine podium places.
Shanks’ racing style reflects a deep understanding of this balance. Power is the foundation. Track cyclists develop exceptional leg strength and neuromuscular efficiency, enabling them to generate explosive acceleration and sustain high wattage over short, intense efforts. In events such as the individual pursuit or team pursuit, riders operate close to their physiological limits for several minutes, holding power outputs that would be unsustainable in most other cycling disciplines. Shanks’ training emphasizes this ability to deliver repeatable, precise power, tuned specifically to the demands of the velodrome.
Yet raw strength alone is not enough. Aerodynamics shapes how effectively that power translates into speed. The velodrome environment magnifies aerodynamic gains because the speeds are so high and consistent. Shanks’ compact posture, flat back, and carefully aligned head position reduce frontal area and smooth airflow over her body. Even the way her shoulders sit or how still she holds her upper body can save crucial watts. At elite level, these savings are often the difference between qualifying for finals or watching from the sidelines.
An often overlooked aspect of Shanks’ approach is how aerodynamics and power influence pacing strategy. Unlike road races, track events demand near-perfect distribution of effort. In pursuits, starting too hard can lead to catastrophic fatigue, while starting too conservatively wastes precious time. Shanks must balance an aggressive opening acceleration with the ability to settle into an aerodynamic rhythm, holding form as fatigue builds and muscles burn. This ability to maintain position under stress is a skill developed through countless hours of repetition and biomechanical refinement.
Technology also plays a supporting role in her success, though it never replaces the athlete. Advanced track bikes, stiff carbon frames, optimized chain lines, and carefully selected gear ratios allow Shanks to convert her power efficiently into forward motion. Still, these machines only reach their potential when paired with a rider capable of exploiting them. Her awareness of cadence, resistance, and timing ensures that every pedal stroke contributes to momentum rather than wasted motion.
Another easily forgotten element is mental discipline. Riding solo or in close formation on the track leaves no room for distraction. Shanks must trust her preparation, ignore pain signals, and stay locked into her aerodynamic shape even when fatigue urges her to sit up or shift position. This mental resilience is as important as physical conditioning, especially in championship settings where margins are razor thin.
Allyson Shanks’ presence on the velodrome highlights why track cycling fascinates engineers and sports scientists as much as fans. It is a sport where human power and aerodynamic efficiency meet in their most distilled form. By mastering both, Shanks embodies the modern track cyclist: an athlete who turns science into speed and transforms controlled conditions into extraordinary performances.
