With almost two years still to go before the 2012 Olympic games in London, the Olympic Development Authority (ODA) has laid the first boards in the vélodrome. The distinctive double-curved roof of the building was completed back in July, when multiple Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy performed a few ceremonial laps, and now the track itself is beginning to take shape.
“The start of work on the Velodrome track is a significant milestone,” said ODA Chief Executive David Higgins, “and takes us another step closer to this becoming the first Olympic Park venue to be completed early next year.
“Seeing the track beginning to take shape gives us a first look at where we hope world records will be broken in 2012,” he added, “and where a new generation of cyclists will be able to take to their bikes for many years to come.”
The track surface will be built from sustainably sourced Siberian pine, selected because the trees grow straight and tall, making them suitable for the lengths of timber required. The extreme climate in Siberia also means that the timber is stable and will not shrink or contract in the vélodrome’s environment.
The ODA plans for the London vélodrome to be the fastest in the World, by tailoring the track geometry and setting the internal environmental conditions to create what it hopes will be record-breaking conditions. Unlike the Manchester Vélodrome, where British Cycling has its headquarters, the London track will have its 6,000 seats arranged all the way around to create the best possible atmosphere.
After having hosted the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics the vélodrome will be used by elite athletes, but also serve the local community; within the building there will be a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.