WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS VELODROMES IN EUROPE?
Europe is home to the most historic and advanced velodromes in the world, hosting Olympic Games, World Championships, and elite training programs. This article explores the most famous velodromes across the continent, highlighting their history, architectural features, major events, and why they remain critical hubs for competitive cycling. Whether you're a fan, racer, or architect of speed, these tracks define excellence on two wheels.
Lee Valley, Berlin, and Paris velodromes
Europe’s major cities host some of the continent’s best-known velodromes. The Lee Valley VeloPark in London, built for the 2012 Olympics, remains a state-of-the-art facility for racing and public use. Berlin’s Velodrom is famous for hosting multiple UCI Track World Cups and national championships, while the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, just outside Paris, is the centerpiece of France’s track cycling program and will host events during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Why these venues are world-class
Lee Valley boasts a 250m Siberian pine track with Olympic-grade design and public accessibility.
Berlin’s Velodrom has a unique dome architecture and rich event calendar.
Paris’s Vélodrome National serves as a training base for French elites and hosts major UCI events.
All three velodromes have hosted international competitions, including World Championships and Nations Cups.
Excellent facilities including spectator seating, athlete areas, and tech support zones.
These venues are open year-round, offering everything from public track sessions to elite-level races. Their dual role as training hubs and showpiece arenas keeps them at the heart of European cycling development.
Roubaix, Ghent, and Aigle velodromes
Some of Europe’s most legendary velodromes are tied to history and culture. The Roubaix Velodrome in France is where the infamous Paris–Roubaix road race ends—its outdoor track is sacred ground. The Kuipke Velodrome in Ghent, Belgium, is known for its short, steep banking and electric Six Day track racing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland, serves as the sport’s global HQ and a key venue for rider development.
What makes these velodromes unique
Roubaix: Open-air, old-school charm, and hallowed cycling ground.
Ghent’s Kuipke: 166m short track, steep turns, and home of Six Day Ghent.
Aigle: UCI’s official center with modern facilities for global athlete training.
All have strong ties to both professional events and grassroots cycling development.
Unique atmospheres—from rowdy Belgian fans to quiet Swiss precision.
These tracks highlight the diversity of velodrome design and usage in Europe. Whether it’s an outdoor finish line, a raucous indoor event, or a cutting-edge training lab, they each contribute to cycling heritage and future excellence.
Palma, Apeldoorn, and other top tracks
Lesser-known but highly respected velodromes across Europe are equally vital to the sport. The Velòdrom Illes Balears in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is known for warm-weather training and national team camps. Omnisport Apeldoorn in the Netherlands regularly hosts European and World Championships. Other standouts include the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton (often visited by European teams), and the Fassa Bortolo indoor track in Montichiari, Italy.
Top features of Europe’s other elite tracks
Palma’s velodrome offers warm climate, low wind, and great off-season access.
Apeldoorn features high-tech timing systems and hosts international para-cycling events.
Montichiari is Italy’s elite training base and hosts junior development camps.
Velodromes often double as multi-sport arenas or performance centers.
Affordable public access in many countries helps nurture grassroots talent.
These venues round out the European velodrome scene by supporting both top-tier competition and athlete growth. Many offer seasonal memberships, rentals, and open track sessions—ideal for recreational riders or rising stars.
