Velodrome

Velodrome is an arena for track cycling competitions. Modern day Velodrome constitute steeply banked oval tracks, having two 180-degree circular bends connected by two straights. Velodrome for 2012 London Olympics is one of the four permanent venues in the London Olympic Park. Though the last to be commissioned, it was the first venue to be completed on time and within the budget. Inspired by lightweight and streamlined racing bikes, the Hopkins Architects-designed Velodrome will provide a venue for the indoor track cycling events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It has been designed so as to create world's fastest cycling track by tailoring the track geometry and setting the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue to fetch the optimal conditions for cycling. The venue has also been designed with seating arrangements all the way around the track. Certainly, the arena promises to offer a thrilling experience to the spectators.

Fast Facts

Sport Events Paralympic Track Cycling, Track Cycling
Location North of the Olympic Park
New or Existing New one
Permanent or Temporary Permanent
Number of Events 28 Events

Velodrome 2012 London Olympics

Velodrome -The Construction
The construction of Velodrome began in 2008 and got completed in February 2011. The estimated cost of that facility was £105 million. It is also the first Olympic park venue to be completed. Theinstallation of structures and facilitieswere handed over to designer Ron Webb who designed the Velodrome tracks for the Sydney and Athens Games. The Velodrome is said to be the most sustainable venue in the Olympic Park in terms of design and construction. The track was made with 56 km of Siberian Pine and 350,000 nails. The Velodrome is energy efficient with optimal use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lights. The ventilation creates a perfect track-level temperature, obviating the need for air conditioning.Rain water is also collectedto reduce the amount of water used. The Velodrome has a capacity of around 6,000 people, with a concrete lower tier of 3,500 seats and a further 2,500 seats suspended in two upper tiers, offering a 360-degree view of the concourse.

During The Game
During the games five events for men and five for women, for 10 gold medalswill be held at Velodrome.The events are 'The Sprint', 'Team Sprint', 'Keirin', 'Team Pursuit', and 'The Omnium'. 188 riders will be competing in the track cycling competitionduring the course of six days.To make efficient use of space the back-of-house area which includes broadcast, catering and security facilities will be shared with the Basketball Arena.

After The Games
After the games there will be the addition of a new mountain bike course and road-cycle circuit to create a VeloPark for the local community, sports clubs and elite athletes. It will also have a cafe, cycle workshop facilitiesand bike hire, with the intention ofmaking London the cycling center of the world. In order to ensure the suitability of the new cycling 'hub' to all levels of ability, outreach and sports development programs will be organized. The facility will be owned, runand funded by theLee Valley Regional Park Authority.

How To Reach The Venue
There are Stratford and Stratford International stations on the east side of the Park and West Ham station to the south. The venue will also be served by local bus services. London's buses have low floors. They also provide audio and visual information. There is one wheelchair space in each bus.

Interesting Facts About Velodrome

The London 2012 Velodrome has been highly praised by riders as the UCI Track Cycling World Cup which concluded recently. The track is said to be one of the finest ever built and faster than any of the tracks built till date. It will be an absolute privilege to witness all the great cyclists from around the world competing inside such an arena.