London 2012 cycling venue takes shape

08 Oct 2009

Work has started to lift the first sections of the London 2012 Velodrome roof structure into place.

Velodrome construction

The first steel sections in place on the Velodrome

In total, more than 2,500 sections of steelwork will be installed to construct the roof and upper tiers. The distinct design of the roof has two curves to reflect the geometry of the cycling track.

The permanent venue will have a lower tier with 3,500 seats and two upper tiers with a capacity of 2,500. The upper tiers will be suspended within the two curves of the roof. The upper and lower tiers will be divided by a glass wall giving spectators a view over the Olympic Park and out across London.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said: ‘The Velodrome will be another landmark new venue in the Olympic Park. With work underway on the structural steelwork we can begin to see the striking architecture of the Velodrome take shape. The good progress we are making on site keeps us on track to deliver a world-class stage for elite athletes in 2012 and a legacy of first-class facilities for a new generation of cyclists.’

A Bolton-based company is supplying the steel for the Velodrome in a deal worth more than £3m.

David added: ‘Steel fabricated in the north-west is playing an essential role in shaping the Velodrome. This demonstrates the role that companies across the UK are playing in helping deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.’

The Velodrome will host the indoor Track Cycling during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A BMX Circuit will be built next to the Velodrome to host the BMX events during the Olympic Games. Together they will form the London 2012 VeloPark.

After the Games, a Road Cycle circuit and Mountain Bike course will be added to the VeloPark to create a cycling hub for all ages and abilities.

Read the full media release