Beijing Games medal winners Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Jason Kenny and Ross Edgar, together with rising stars and established names in the GB cycling team were joined in unveiling the Velodrome by ODA Chairman John Armitt, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Sebastian Coe, Minister for the Olympics Jeremy Hunt, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and other guests.
Sir Chris Hoy, triple Gold medal-winner at the Beijing Games and the most successful Olympic male cyclist of all time, said: ‘Having been involved in a very small way in the design process in the early stages, it’s amazing to see the Velodrome finally completed, and to be able to have ridden on it today gives me a feel for what it’s going to be like in less than 18 months time. I can’t wait!’
The 6,000 capacity Velodrome will host the Olympic and Paralympic track cycling events in 2012. After the Games, the Velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bicycle hire and cycle workshop facilities.
ODA Chairman John Armitt said: ‘In delivering the Velodrome on time and to budget, we have completed our first Olympic Park venue and biggest milestone to date.
‘The striking architecture of the Velodrome and the medal prospects of our world-leading cyclists mean the venue will become one of the defining images from the Games, and a landmark new building for future generations to enjoy.’
