Rio Olympic velodrome finally handed over to organisers
Riders are able to practise on the Olympic velodrome track but there is still work needed to finish the venue ahead of the Games

Six weeks before the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, the troubled velodrome has finally been handed over to the organisers, with riders practising on the track this weekend.
The velodrome suffered numerous setbacks, with two test events ahead of the Games having to be postponed, but the UCI and the riders who have tested it are confident it will be 100 per cent finished in time for the start of the Olympics on August 5.
“We see that the building is still under construction, so there is a bit of dust on the track,” Swiss rider Gael Suter, who practiced on Sunday, told the Associated Press.
“Maybe it is not 100 percent yet. But no doubt it will be ready for the Olympics, and it will be a fast track.”
A beginner's guide to the Team Pursuit
Temporary seating still needs to be added to the venue, with concessions stands and other facilities also needing to be added.
“It’s certainly not ideal, but given the circumstances we’re very happy to have some practice this weekend,” said the UCI technical delegate Gilles Peruzzi.
Preparations for the Games have been hampered by Brazil's steepest recession since the 1930s, with the Zika virus, budget cuts and slow ticket sales also causing problems.
Then, on June 24, the World Anti-Doping Agency suspended the laboratory that would analyse the doping tests in the city during the Games. AP reports that if the laboratory is not re-opened ahead of the Games, thousands of samples will have to be shipped abroad for analysis.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
Jonas Vingegaard to David Gaudu: Eight riders to watch at the Critérium du Dauphiné 2023
Stacked GC field also includes Adam Yates, Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa and Jai Hindley
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Lauren De Crescenzo to Laurens ten Dam: Five riders to watch at Unbound Gravel
Who you should look out for at this weekend's gravel extravaganza
By James Shrubsall • Published
-
UCI launches investigation into massive men's Tour of Flanders pileup
World governing body also investigating road-blocking team tactics used by DSM in the race as well as by Trek-Segafredo at Dwars door Vlaanderen
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Lefevere suggests UCI is 'short of cash' after fining Alaphilippe
Soudal Quick-Step rails against the ruling body after his French team leader is penalised for removing his helmet while racing
By Peter Cossins • Published
-
'Just don't wreck yourself' - Fred Wright on his GB track gamble and the Olympics
The Bahrain Victorious rider is set to compete at the European Track Championships next week
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Inside the secret race at the Track Champions League
Cycling Weekly lifts the lid on the private points contests ridden out of the spotlight
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
'Chris Hoy said the British coaches may be kicking themselves’ - Britain’s lost track cycling champion
British-born Australian Matthew Richardson has fast become one of the world's best track sprinters
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Katie Archibald gets back to winning ways at Track Champions League
The defending endurance champion is up to second after the competition's second round
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Five Dutch sprinters squeezed in a van: Life behind the glamour of the Track Champions League
Now in its second year, the competition takes riders back to their early racing days
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Mark Stewart takes the men’s Endurance classification lead in the Track Champions League
Scotsman Stewart wins the Scratch and places third in the Elimination as Katie Archibald takes women’s Scratch victory
By Owen Rogers • Last updated