Work to prepare the VeloPark site for the start of construction began in August last year. New images released today show the footprint of the Velodrome clearly visible with a bowl created for the cycle track approximately 4m deep and 60m wide by 100m long. Some 48,000 cubic metres of material was excavated to create the bowl, enough to fill 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Construction work on the Velodrome will start early next year with concrete piles, up to 20 metres deep, installed in the ground to create the foundations of the Velodrome building.
ODA Chairman John Armitt said: 'These latest images show the huge progress we are making on the VeloPark site, keeping us firmly on track to start construction work on this landmark new venue for London early next year.
'Our VeloPark plans are driven by legacy and together with creating a world-class stage for elite athletes in 2012, the VeloPark will deliver facilities for a new generation of cyclists of all ages and abilities.'
The VeloPark, to be based in the north of the Olympic Park, will include a 6,000 seat Velodrome to host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic indoor track cycling events as well as a BMX circuit for Olympic events. After the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’. The latest VeloPark designs were unveiled in September by triple Beijing gold medal-winning Olympic hero Chris Hoy and include:
Notes to editors:
1. Images of the VeloPark site and designs can be downloaded at http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/locog?nav=pr119694406
2. The design team for the VeloPark is made up of Hopkins Architects, Expedition Engineering, BDSP and Grant Associates, who were appointed last year following a design competition judged by leading names from the world of architecture and design as well as Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy. The VeloPark designs have been developed by the design team following extensive consultation with British Cycling and local cycling user groups.
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The construction of the venues and infrastructure of the London 2012 Games is funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency.
Find out the latest from London 2012 HQ on our blog.
- A 6,000 seat Velodrome - to host the Olympic and Paralympic indoor track cycling events in 2012, and be used by elite athletes and the local community after the Games. The legacy Velodrome will include a café and other facilities and the venue design includes a 360 degree concourse level offering fantastic views over the Olympic Park, and out to the London skyline
- BMX circuit – to host Olympic events in 2012 and then be reconfigured for use by cyclists of all levels of ability after the Games
- Road cycle circuit – built after the Games, offering cyclists a one-mile circuit
- Mountain bike course – created after the Games, offering around a 6km course with a range of mountain bike trails for riders of various abilities
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