Velodrome In Pictures

The venue

One of Team GB's biggest triumphs of Beijing 2008 came with our cyclists and so it's understandable that for London 2012 we have a Velodrome to match our credentials.

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The venue

The velodrome

The most sustainable venue in the whole Olympic Park, and awarded the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award, the Velodrome boasts a 100% naturally ventilated system to create the perfect track-level temperature and eliminate the need for air conditioning; its track is made of sustainable Siberian pine wood; external cladding is made from lightweight materials to keep transport and manufacture emissions low; the venue uses as much natural light as possible, reducing the need for electric light; the roof even catches rainwater for recycling.

Under construction

A concrete lower tier will have 3,500 seats located around the track, while a further 2,500 seats will be suspended in two upper tiers within the two curves of the venue's roof. A ground-level glass wall between both levels will afford 360-degree views of East London across the Olympic Park - and allow people outside the venue to glimpse what's going on inside.

From an aerial perspective

From the air

Specialising in aerial photography since 1991, Jason Hawkes has produced over 40 aerial photographic books for the likes of the BBC, Random House and Harper Collins. Taking to the sky in a helicopter, he snapped these impressive photos of the Velodrome. All the environmental benefits have not been created at any aesthetic expense: the slick 6,000-capacity Velodrome, shaped rather like a giant Pringle crisp, is a stunning architectural feat - and got the approval of Sir Chris Hoy (one of Team GB's Beijing 2008 heroes) right from the outset.

Sporting events

Hopkins Architects won the rights to design the venue and working alongside the likes of Hoy, the venue's designers have aimed to create a record-breaking track that meets high standards for both architects and cyclists alike.
The Velodrome will host all the Olympic and Paralympic Track Cycling events:

Olympic Events

22nd August - 7th August

Sprint
Keirin
Team sprint
Team pursuit
Omnium

Paralympic Events

30th August - 2nd September

Sprint
Pursuit
Time trial
Team sprint

Nearby Food and Drink

Bistrotheque

The Olympic Stadium is located within the Olympic Park, Stratford. Even though the park isn't located within central London, there are numerous restaurants and bar venues nearby:

Restaurants

Forman's Fish Island

7 minute walk
Best of British menu devised by Lloyd Hardwick

Bistrotheque

Bethnal Green - 2 tube stops from Stratford, via the Central line
Minimalist warehouse chic restaurant with a great brunch menu

King Eddie's

20 minute walk
An east-end style gastropub with a traditional and affordable menu

Nightlife/Pubs

The Britannia

24 minute walk
Large pub garden, jukebox and laidback atmosphere

Pub on the Park

London Fields station - 1 stop from Stratford, via National Rail
Large garden and extensive beer menu, with traditional bitters and run-of-the-mill lagers

Nearby Attractions

Westfield Stratford

Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre

10 minute walk
This 1.9 million square foot shopping mall has been billed as the 'gateway' to London's Olympic Park. With 300 high street shops, 50 or so restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, a bowling alley and the UK's largest casino, it's an impressive entertainment venue that's located just minutes away from the Olympic Park.

Shopping

Roman Road Market

Mile End Tube - 1 stop from Stratford, via London Overground
Situated on the oldest known trade route in Britain, this market offers crafts, antiques, food, clothing and more

Entertainment

Hackney PictureHouse

Hackney Central - 1 stop from Stratford, via London Overground
Seven-screen cinema with three bars - including Hackney Attic which hosts music and comedy evenings

Theatre Royal Stratford East

18 minute walk
450-seat theatre that showcases new writing and ethnically diverse plays

Leisure

The Greenway

7 minute walk
A flat, almost continuous and straight traffic-free walking and cycling route that carves through East London at a high level

All Star Lanes

10 minute walk
Bowling alley located within Westfield Stratford Centre

Victoria Park

Mile End Tube - 1 stop from Stratford, via the Central Line
The city's first public park boasts picturesque lakes and an Old English Garden

Travel

There are numerous options when travelling to the Velodrome. Driving is not advised due to high levels of traffic and restricted parking - limited, pre-booked parking will be available for disabled spectators. Public transport options include:

Javelin Train

Delivering passengers from St Pancras to Stratford International in just seven minutes, the Olympic Javelin high-speed train shuttle service will take up to an estimated 25,000 travellers per hour.

Overground Stations

National Rail, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground will run trains to the following stations:

London Underground

Stratford - Jubilee and Central Lines
West Ham - District, Hammersmith & City, and Jubilee Lines

Walking and Cycling

Greenway walking and cycling routes will connect the Olympic Park with numerous locations - including Victoria Path, Lee Valley North and Epping Forest. The walking routes are step free and there will be free cycle parking provided at the Eton Manor Transport Hub, Greenway Transport Hub and Victoria Park.