What is Cycle-Ball?

The brilliant simplicity of the sport means that everyone can enjoy the show, from first-time fans to experienced cycle-ball fanatics.

Where it’s different from regular football - other than the obvious - is that the court is surrounded by 30cm slanted perimeter boards, so the ball rarely goes out of play. Possession is key and there’s never a dull moment.

Played at an intense pace with tackles flying in fast and silky skills on show, these riders take bicycle kicks to another level.

Tenacity and technique will be put to the test in 2-aside 14 minute matches on a small rectangular court  where the most goals wins.

Riders use their wheels to control, pass and strike the ball - no feet allowed. (But headers are, and goalies can use their hands.) If a foot touches the floor, the rider must leave and re-enter the field of play.

Yes you can! The ref (or “commissaire” as they are known in Cycle-Ball) can issue yellow and red cards for rule violations or dangerous play.

But they’re rare. Even though the stakes are high, the riders play with a sense of fair play that you don’t often see in regular football.

You won’t see anyone rolling on the floor faking a puncture either! In the event of an actual injury, most teams have one substitute they can rely on to continue the match.

Cycle-Ball was invented in Germany and the first international event was held there in 1930. In the near-century since, Germany and its neighbours have dominated the discipline.

But that doesn’t mean other countries aren’t catching up - including a squad of UK-based hopefuls.

The sport literally didn’t exist in the UK until Felix Young, a coach based in Bath, made it happen.

He got the bikes, started a club, and now Team GB are playing at competitions around Europe.

They’re still fighting for their first win against their well established rivals, but just being there is an accomplishment in itself for Felix and the guys.

In Glasgow they’ll be playing on home turf, putting cycle-ball on the map.

Champions and challengers will head to the Emirates Arena this August all with the dream of pulling on the coveted, and iconic, rainbow stripes. But only a handful will come away with the ultimate prize. 

Everyone's capable of becoming UCI World Champion, but we've pulled out a few competitors for you to keep an eye on...

Cheer on Team GB and the other teams (but especially Team GB) from the first whistle to the last in this amazing day out for the whole family.