2012 Velodrome Gets Seal Of Approval

Chris Hoy, the triple Olympic champion, yesterday gave his seal of approval to the design for the velodrome in which Britain’s cyclists will be going for gold in 2012.Work on the development, which will have a “floating” roof and a glazed concourse, is due to begin next year. The venue, at the north of the Olympic Park, will also include a 400-metre BMX circuit and will be linked to cycle routes across the capital. After the Games, the facilities at the site will be enhanced to include a one-mile road circuit and a 6km mountain bike course.

The building has been designed by Hopkins Architects, who say it is intended to be lightweight and efficient, reflecting the workings of a bicycle. The venue will also be linked to cycle routes across the capital.The £80 million budget, one of the Olympic Park's largest.

Speaking today Hoy said "To have been involved in the London Velopark is a great honour for me, and I am incredibly excited after looking at the designs and having now gone to the site itself to get a feel for the place...This is a golden era for cycling, and we are going to have this facility, which will be a jewel in the crown,the best in the world...I feel very fortunate I am going to ride in it and to be a part of it.