London Velopark, London Olympics 2012

London Velopark is the site for the cycling events during the 2011 London Olympic Games. It is located on the northern end of the London Olympic Park, in Leyton, in East London. The Velopark is one of the five main components of the park, which will host the Olympic Games and the Paraolympic Games. It comprises the Velodrome and the BMX Tracks.

The Velodrome can accommodate 1,500 spectators. It was built at a cost of £105 million. Its design came about through consultation with British Olympic cyclists, such as gold medalist Chris Hoy. The track was laid with 56 km of wood from Siberian pines. The resulting velodrome has been nicknamed "The Pringle", due to its curving appearance that resembles the cracker.

Velodrome at London Velopark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:London_Velodrome_(June_10,_2011).jpg
Author: EG Focus


Outside the Velodrome is the BMX Track. It can accommodate 6,000 spectators. The tracks will be the first site to be used at the London Velopark, when it hosts the 2011 UCI Supercross BMX World Cup series, regarded as a litmus test for the Velopark itself.

To prepare themselves for the Olympic Games, the Dutch Olympic team even built a replica of the BMX track at their National Sports Centre in Papendal. Their track became operational in March 2011, before even the BMX Track at London Velopark was ready for use.

Unlike the Velodrome, the BMX Track at London Velopark will not be a permanent feature. After the Games, the spectator seating will be removed and the track reconfigured so that it can be used for people of all abilities.

BMX Track taking shape at BMX Track taking shape at London Velopark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BMX_track.jpg
Author: Carlbob

Return to London Olympic Park main page; list of Parks in London

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