London shows off Olympic velodrome project

London 2012’s Olympic Delivery Authority has shown off images of the currently under construction VeloPark velodrome, at Olympic Park in Lee Valley, which will host the track events at the current Olympiad’s end. The 2012 Olympic Games venue’s concourse level is nearing completion, while work on the pillars that will support the venue’s roof has now commenced.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins is pleased with the progress of the project, which commenced in March. “The good progress we are making on site keeps us on track to deliver a world-class stage for elite athletes in 2012 and the legacy of first-class facilities for a new generation of cyclists,” said Higgins. “Steel fabricated in the North West is playing an essential role in shaping the Velodrome and demonstrates the role that companies across the UK are playing in helping deliver the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games.”

Once completed the velordrome will seat some 6,000 people for the Olympic and Paralympic track cycling events. Seating will be split in to two tiers, with 3,500 on the lower tier while the upper tier seats 2,500 people and has views of Olympic Park and London’s skyline.

The steelwork sections rise in height by 12 metres from the shallowest point to the highest part of the structure, helping form the distinct double-curved roof structure which has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track.

Following the Olympic Games the velodrome will be used by elite athletes and the local community and will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities. A road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX circuit to create a legacy VeloPark that will combine cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling ‘hub’.

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