A velodrome is a specialized sporting facility purposefully designed for track cycling. It is an oval-shaped arena with steeply banked, circular tracks made specifically for bicycle racing. The term "velodrome" is a combination of two words: "velo," a French word for bicycle, and "drome," derived from "hippodrome," which means horse racing track. Therefore, a velodrome is essentially a cycling racecourse.
Velodromes are constructed with a smooth, hard surface, typically made of wood or concrete. The banking of the track increases towards the edges, allowing cyclists to maintain higher speeds while negotiating turns. The steep inclines also enable cyclists to ride at an angle, thereby reducing the centrifugal force acting against them.
These facilities host various forms of track cycling events, including sprint races, endurance races, and team relay races. They typically consist of multiple tracks, with the innermost track being the shortest and used for sprint events. The outer tracks are longer and intended for endurance races.
Velodromes often feature a center area where spectators can view the races - be it on ground level or terracing for better visibility. These venues can vary in size, with international-standard velodromes having a track length of 250 meters, whereas smaller community velodromes may range from 150 to 200 meters.
Velodromes date back to the late 19th century and have been a prominent part of Olympic cycling events since the first modern Olympics in 1896. Today, they remain an integral part of cycling culture, hosting competitive races and providing a space for training and recreation for cyclists of all levels.
