2012 cycle track to be fastest in the world
- Published: 10 September 2008 10:54
- Author: Jessica Rowson
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- Last Updated: 10 September 2008 10:54
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The London 2012 Olympic velodrome will be designed to have the fastest cycle track in the world, it was claimed this week.
The so-called "Pringle" stadium has been designed by Expedition Engineering with architect Hopkins Architects. Leading track designer Ron Webb will now develop a track that could help
break world records.
"Cycle tracks are not always the same," said Hopkins director Mike Taylor. "There are nuances which can be altered while still staying in the rules. The track will be tweaked to be the fastest in the world."
The latest velodrome designs were unveiled this week and showed the double curvature roof of the stadium has been retained but with gentler curves compared to initial concept designs.
The roof will be formed from birch ply timer panels sitting on top of a cable net roof, which spans 120m at its widest point. The roof is then supported by a steel ring beam on 48 raking steel columns. The sides of the building will also be clad in timber.
"Contrary to what you hear in the press, this building will have a lot of timber," said Taylor.
The 6,000-seat velodrome is the centrepiece of the £80M velopark. A 1.6km long road cycle circuit and 6.5 km of mountain bike trails will be added to the velopark after 2012 to create a permanent cycling "hub" for the area.
